Lean healthcare practices from the perspective of the resource-based view: a study in a small hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26512/rgs.v15i3.51498Keywords:
Health Resources, Quality Improvement, Hospital AdministrationAbstract
The lean healthcare system aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of hospital processes by reducing waste to add value to patients. However, its implementation may face challenges due to the lack of adequate resources. In this study, the resource-based view will be adopted as a theoretical perspective to understand how the implementation of lean healthcare is linked to the acquisition, development, maintenance, and improvement of specific resources within a healthcare organization. The methodology used was a case study in a small-sized hospital that has initiatives focused on implementing lean practices. Data were collected through semi-structured interview, on-site observations, and document records to identify lean practices adopted, supporting resources, and to assess the value, versatility, and sustainability of the resources. Research findings demonstrated that the exploitation of resources such as training, reputation, information technology, customer service system, and planning and control was considered essential for the success of implementing lean healthcare in the studied hospital. These findings indicate that the continuous improvement of the lean healthcare system depends on management attention to the resources that support its implementation.
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