Abstract
In this chapter, we introduce the concept of lean management as it relates to ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). The main objectives of medical organizations, including ASCs, are compatible with the concepts of lean management. The practice management goals at ASCs mainly center on care that is more convenient for patients, with higher satisfaction and lower healthcare costs. Lean management aims to keep the items that add value while eliminating waste. We discuss different tools, such as Six Sigma and the 5S Method (sort, simplify, sweep, standardize, sustain), which can be effective for incorporating lean into ASCs. We list the seven wastes as related to ASCs with examples given and possible solutions discussed. Lean implementation is a time intensive and continuous improvement journey. It requires commitment from everyone in the enterprise. Application and implementation of lean principles and philosophies in ASC daily activities are essential to decrease waste, improve efficiency and quality, and ultimately lead to better and safer patient care.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Robinson ST, Kirsch JR. Lean strategies in the operating room. Anesthesiol Clin. 2015;33(4):713–30.
Mason SE, Nicolay CR, Darzi A. The use of lean and six sigma methodologies in surgery: a systematic review. Surgeon. 2015;13(2):91–100.
D’Andreamatteo A, Ianni L, Lega F, Sargiacomo M. Lean in healthcare: a comprehensive review. Health Policy. 2015;119(9):1197–209.
Toussaint JS, Berry LL. The promise of lean in health care. Mayo Clin Proc. 2013;88(1):74–82.
Wellman J, Jeffries H, Hagan P. Leading the lean healthcare journey: driving culture change to increase value. New York: Productivity Press; 2010.
Stoutzenberger TL, Kitner SA, Ulrich BL, D’Silva I, Shah M. Using Lean strategies to improve operating room efficiency. OR Manager. 2014;30(1):18–20.
Southard PB, Chandra C, Kumar S. RFID in healthcare: a six sigma DMAIC and simulation case study. Int J Health Care Qual Assur. 2012;25(4):291–321.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Elsharydah, A., Michaelis, M.A., Rajan, N. (2020). Lean Management: Inventory, Waste Management. In: Rajan, N. (eds) Manual of Practice Management for Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-19171-9_8
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-19171-9_8
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-19170-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-19171-9
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)