Thanks to the healthcare information magazine “For the Record” for accepting my article on Lean Healthcare. As usual, I wasn't given the chance to give input on the title of the piece, as it was titled “Lean Management: Thin Is In.” Better than another “lean and mean” reference.
The piece is intended as an introductory article for those who might have not heard much or anything about Lean in this realm.
If you have comments on the article, please leave them here on the blog.
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- Engage people at all levels in sustainable improvement
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- Apply Lean thinking in practical, people-centered ways
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“In today’s challenging financial climate, it is natural that healthcare executives would examine lean as a method for reducing expenses. It is important to note, however, that lean is different from traditional cost cutting. Given that labor expenditures can be 60% to 70% of a hospital’s operating budget, cost cutting has often focused on layoffs and the closure of units or lines of service.”
Have you found this mindset a difficult one to change? I know in the Lean Manufacturing world it can be tough to get management to see their employees as assets. I’m curious how different that is in a hospital.
Nicely written – great examples and nice touch on the philosophy. Enough without being too much.
Just wondering if it have been acceptable to include information for those interested in getting started, such as LEI or the Thedacare Center for Healthcare Value. Both are not-for-profit or nonprofit, right?
Yes, both organizations are not-for-profits. I’m hoping if somebody clicks on or looks at the LEI reference in my bio that they can find more. Thanks for reading the piece and for commenting, Mark.