Readiness factors for lean implementation in healthcare settings - a literature review

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to determine the readiness factors that are critical to the application and success of lean operating principles in healthcare organizations through a review of relevant literature. Design/methodology/approach: A comprehensive review of literature focussing on lean and lean healthcare was conducted. Findings: Leadership, organizational culture, communication, training, measurement, and reward systems are all commonly attributed readiness factors throughout general change management and lean literature. However, directly related to the successful implementation of lean in healthcare is that a setting is able to authorize a decentralized management style a..