Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Part XCI: Lean Thinking in Healthcare.

ABSTRACT Lean thinking refers to the thought processes utilizing the main characteristics of Lean to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase value to the customer. Lean thinking can be used to improve health care organizations using such tools as the A3 form, root-cause analysis, value stream maps, Gemba walks, kaizen events, and defining standard work. Examples are given about how Lean thinking improved scheduling and productivity, as well as better compliance regarding core measures and adherence to best practices. Lean thinking examples are also given which resulted in less need for space, inventory, and personnel, and a decrease in hospital-acquired infections.