Alain Antierens1,2, Dimitri Beeckman3,4,5, Sofie Verhaeghe2,6, Ann Van Hecke7. 1. CNO, BZIO Rehabilitation Hospital, Ostend, Belgium. 2. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of public Health, University Center for Nursing and Midwifery, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 3. Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Skin Integrity Research Group (SKINT), University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 4. School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden. 5. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. 6. Department of Nursing, VIVES University College, Roeselare, Belgium. 7. Nursing Department, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract
AIM: To reflect on Lean experts' perspective on components of Lean management in health care and its implications for practice. BACKGROUND: The involvement of Lean experts is one of the key succes factors of a sustainable Lean transformation in health care. METHODS: Thirteen Lean experts participated in two focus groups. They all had experience in the implementation of Lean in healthcare organizations. RESULTS: Lean experts all seem to have a unique perspective on Lean management in health care. Experts without a healthcare degree appear to focus more on the entire management system, where experts with a nursing degree seem to concentrate more on the soft Lean principles. CONCLUSION: It seems plausible their professional background appears to have an influence. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: In selecting a Lean expert, nurse managers may want to gauge what elements the Lean expert tends to emphasize. It seems plausible to opt for a Lean expert without a healthcare degree to accomplish the Lean transformation as they have a broader view on Lean. It may also be useful for managers to involve several Lean experts, all with complementary perspectives and backgrounds.
AIM: To reflect on Lean experts' perspective on components of Lean management in health care and its implications for practice. BACKGROUND: The involvement of Lean experts is one of the key succes factors of a sustainable Lean transformation in health care. METHODS: Thirteen Lean experts participated in two focus groups. They all had experience in the implementation of Lean in healthcare organizations. RESULTS: Lean experts all seem to have a unique perspective on Lean management in health care. Experts without a healthcare degree appear to focus more on the entire management system, where experts with a nursing degree seem to concentrate more on the soft Lean principles. CONCLUSION: It seems plausible their professional background appears to have an influence. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: In selecting a Lean expert, nurse managers may want to gauge what elements the Lean expert tends to emphasize. It seems plausible to opt for a Lean expert without a healthcare degree to accomplish the Lean transformation as they have a broader view on Lean. It may also be useful for managers to involve several Lean experts, all with complementary perspectives and backgrounds.