This literature review increases our knowledge about how many (and which) of the Toyota Way principles are embedded in health care. This knowledge may support reflection by nursing managers about how the full range of lean management principles could be embedded at the managerial and/or operational level.
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.
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