The Value of Lean: From Building Cars to Providing Care

Course overview

Lean is a process improvement methodology that began in the manufacturing industry with the work of W. Edwards Deming (1900-1993) as a foundation. Much of the work done related to Lean has traditionally been in manufacturing. Through the use of a National Science Foundation Grant from 2001-2004, research was conducted regarding its application to healthcare, and as a result Lean principles and thinking are being used at some healthcare facilities. Lean focuses on reducing waste in processes, improving efficiency, and focusing on what is valuable to the patient in the provision of quality care. The goal of Lean is to eliminate steps that are not value added to the patient. Lean practitioners are common in the front line and other levels of the organization. Skilled Lean practitioners involve all stakeholders, communicate widely, analyze a process, test solutions, and implement changes to solve problems that add value for patients.