Systematic Review of lean management in hospitals

In the recent few years, the lean management has made significant improvements in providing quality service to patients in many healthcare centers. Thus, this study aims to systematically review features and results of conducted studies using a lean management approach in hospitals. In this systematic review, 8 databases, including PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, Scopus, Iranmedex, SID, Magiran and Medlib were searched using keywords including Lean principles , Lean Six Sigma , Lean Process SID , Lean thinking , Lean Methodology , Toyota Production System lean processing , lean techniques and hospital as well as their Persian equivalents. Required data were extracted using an extraction table and were analyzed using content analysis method. Lean Six Sigma and Lean methodology were the most frequent terms used for lean management. The five phase six sigma methodology was one of the most important methods used for the implementation of the lean management. Performing the process at the first time (timing) and length of stay had the highest frequencies among indicators assessed in the studies. All indicators assessed in the studies have improved after the implementation of lean management. Based on the results of the study, there were many dispersions and heterogeneities in the way of implementation and content of lean management in hospitals. Lean management can play an effective role in improving the quality of hospitalsʹ services.