From self-management to a systemized process: the implementation of lean management in a Chinese hospital’s pharmacy intravenous admixture services center

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of lean leadership in an implementation in a Chinese hospital, considering a particular focus on the attitudes of nursing professionals while identifying specific cultural or institutional factors in China that might affect the implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use Harrison et al.’s (2016) framework to explore the outcomes of a nine-month action research project whereby the authors observed the process and outcomes of implementing lean in a pharmacy intravenous admixture service of a Chinese hospital.FindingsThe implementation of lean had positive results, which improved the efficiency of the operation, reduced the work start time and the amount of staff, and improved clinical satisfaction. In the process of implementation, nursing professionals showed a positive attitude toward the implementation and showed no obvious resistance under the positive influence of the head nurse. The combination of Chinese cultural characteristics, nursing culture and strong leadership enabled lean success.Originality/valueThe unit moved from self-management to a systemized process of using lean concepts and methods, it is an important change for hospital managers.