International Perspectives on Applying Lean in Healthcare

April 22, 2010 - PRLog -- Covering healthcare from clinical to nutritional services, this book provides a collection of international case studies that demonstrate how lean thinking can be applied in the healthcare industry. Offering an international perspective, the text introduces key concepts of lean healthcare and presents real-life examples to illustrate the practical benefits—which include more efficient processes, increased patient satisfaction, and cost savings—that can result from a lean philosophy. The book features a number of expert contributors who offer practical tips. It also includes a foreword from eminent psychiatry professor Jeffrey Clotheir, MD.

Endorsements

"For organizations looking for ideas as they embark on their lean journey, these case studies …  illustrate how Lean translates into simple actions that are capable of effecting positive change."
– Colleen Kennedy, Leader, Physician Engagement, British Columbia

“The case studies provided in this book provide relevant examples that are useful and informative … . It provides examples of actual implementation strategies and solutions to change management issues in applying Lean.”
–  Bonnie Urquhart, Director - Strategic Initiatives and Project Support, Northern Health Authority, British Columbia

"This book binds together the philosophy that revolutionized the safety and quality of the motor industry with practical examples from the pioneers in healthcare. Through examples big and small, they share their learning of the problem-solving techniques and, more importantly, the fundamental change in their beliefs and behaviours.... This is a book for those keen to join in and learn for themselves from those who are learning too.
– Dr Kate Silvester, Programme Lead for enquiry into patient flow, cost and quality: A collaboration between The Health Foundation and The National Health Service, United Kingdom

“... a must buy for any healthcare professional interested in delivering improvement opportunities. ... The book will help you ... benefit from the experiences of those who provide patient care in an international healthcare context."
– Eamon Counihan, Quality Co-ordinator, Bon Secours Health System, Ireland

About the Authors

Joe Aherne is a fellow and council member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland. He established The Leading Edge Group in 1995 as a niche boutique consulting and education company supporting the multinational and healthcare sectors. The Group is now recognized as one of the largest Lean accreditation organizations of its kind, successfully supporting the education of students of all nationalities in the areas of Lean Manufacturing and Lean Healthcare.

Joe is a regular speaker at international conferences and seminars and is an avid believer in the power of Lean Healthcare.

John Whelton has a postgraduate diploma in technical communications, and has over ten years’ experience in instructional design and the development of distance, online, and blended learning solutions. He is currently spearheading the expansion of The Leading Edge Group operations in North America and is located in Toronto, Canada. He has previously held key roles in product development with leading learning solutions providers CBT Systems, SmartForce, and SkillSoft.

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Productivity Press is a premier source of authoritative information on organizational development offering the broadest selection of books and learning tools about lean methodologies, based on the Toyota Production System. www.productivitypress.com