Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review on Motivations and Benefits

Abstract

While Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been applied extensively in healthcare organisations, there has been limited research on the trends of LSS application in healthcare in recent years. This paper aims to present the key motivations and benefits of LSS in healthcare with a view to highlighting the types of problems that LSS in healthcare can aid in solving. The authors used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach to achieving the article’s purpose. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2011 and 2021 are considered to achieve the study objectives. The systematic review helped the authors to identify the evolution, benefits, and motivations for LSS in healthcare. This work includes directions for managers and healthcare professionals in healthcare organisations to embark on a focused LSS journey aligned with the strategic objectives. This study is perhaps one of the most comprehensive SLRs covering a vital agenda of LSS in healthcare. This study provides all the deliverables of LSS for its successful deployment in healthcare.

A cross-organizational Lean deployment in an Italian regional healthcare system

“…Over the past 2 decades, the healthcare sector's adoption rate has grown very high (Chiarini and Bracci, 2013;Rosa et al, 2021). Unlike other managerial methodologies aimed at process improvements, the choice of Lean implementation by healthcare organizations has proven to be not a fad but a growing trend (Marolla et al, 2022;McDermott et al, 2022b). The great interest of healthcare organizations in this paradigm is due to the numerous testimonies of the benefits achieved in patient pathways support processes and related to the organization's work environment (Ahmed et al, 2018;Rosa et al, 2023b;Trakulsunti et al, 2021).…”

“…drug movements, space utilization and layout), and reducing over-processing (e.g. referral activities, discharge administrative activities (McDermott et al, 2022b). Many authors argue that the paradigm is particularly effective in the healthcare sector because physicians and healthcare professionals easily understand its concepts and tools as they are already geared toward creating value for patients and using tools to control and standardize clinical processes (Joosten et al, 2009;Radnor et al, 2011).…”

“…The training sub-phase, particularly through testimonials and serious games, further increased motivation and trust. Deploying adequate training is an important critical success factor in Lean deployment and building trust (McDermott et al, 2022b). Furthermore, from an operational point of view, the training and coaching were instrumental in the Lean program introduction and dissemination phase at the micro level.…”

“…However, it is crucial to remember that the role of the dissemination practitioners was decisive for dissemination. Trust in colleagues, the sense of belonging and the possibility of benefiting from an internal coach prompted many doctors and nurses to embrace the Lean change (McDermott et al, 2022b). Furthermore, the dissemination practitioners' support and dissemination activities ensured the programs continuity over time (Bhat et al, 2019).…”

Six Sigma application in an Irish meat processing plant to improve process yields

“…Through implementing continuous improvement (CI) initiatives, the industry is assisted in managing global and local market challenges. The benefits of Six Sigma or synergy of both Lean Six Sigma (LSS) for CI have been studied across various industries, for example, the automotive (manufacturing), healthcare and construction industries (Aziz and Hafez, 2013;Gonzalez and Martins, 2016;McDermott et al, 2022a). However, there is a shortfall of literature on implementing Six Sigma in the food industry (Maalouf and Zaduminska, 2019;Azalanzazllay et al, 2020).…”