LEAN concept – possibilities of implementation and improvement of business processes in public healthcare organizations
1,2 Edin Medjedovic
1,2,3 Asim Kurjak
4 Sabina Sehic- Krslak
5 Zlatan Zvizdic
6,2 Edin Begic
7 Amer Iglica
1 Alma Suljevic
1 Sabaheta Jonuzovic – Prosic
8 Amela Hajdarević
1 Fahira Imamovic
1 Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical University Center Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2 Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3 Department of Obesterics and Gynecology, University hospital „Sveti Duh”, Zagreb, Croatia
4 Faculty of Management and Business Economics, University of Travnik
5 Clinic of Pediatric Surgery, Clinical University Center Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
6 Department of Cardiology, General Hospital „Prim.Dr. Abdulah Nakas”, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
7 Intensive Care Unit, Clinic for heart, blood vessels and rheumatism, Clinical University Center Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
8 Cantonal Hospital „Dr. Safet Mujić” Mostar
Abstract
Introduction:
The basic postulate of the lean concept is that greater efficiency of the work process can be achieved through a process of continuous improvement, which aims to eliminate waste and maximize activities that add value.The Netherlands, Great Britain, Italy and the United States were examples of healthcare systems that implemented the lean concept.
Aim:
To examine the opinion of health workers of a public hospitals in the Sarajevo area about the possibilities of improving business processes by implementing the lean concept.
Method:
The cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to the e-mail addresses of health workers of public health organizations. 91 respondents of both sexes (doctors of medicine, residents, registered nurses, nurses and administrative staff) were included.
Results:
A positive correlation was establishedin the attitude toward the effectiveness and efficiency of business processes. According to the participant’s opinion, the greater effectiveness of business processes contributes to greater efficiency (r=0.846; p<0,05). Spearman’s coefficient rs=0.81 shows a strong connection between the effectiveness and efficiency of business processes.
Conclusion:
The study showed that there is a positive attitude towards the impact of the lean concept on improving the efficiency of business processes. The reducexpected positive effects of the implementation of the lean concept are manifested through faster provision of services to patients, reduction of service waiting times and general improvement of business processes.
Keywords: healthcare organization, healthcare services, business processes, LEAN concept