Identifying the Wastes from the Romanian Healthcare System using the Lean Approach

Abstract

Objectives: The following paper aims to present a part of the issues with which the Romanian healthcare system copes, from a Lean methodology point’s of view. The main objective is to identify the actions and medical processes that do not add value for the patients and how could be reduced or even eliminated. Prior work: The Romanian hospitals and clinics need to offer the best experiences for their patients. In this way, and studying the models from American and European hospitals that already adopted Lean methodology as part of their every day job, introducing Lean to Romanian healthcare system represents a way of transforming a blamed system into a representative model.Approach: The paper relies on facts and actions that take place in public hospitals and clinics from Romania. After observing for a couple of years the patients’ behaviour and their needs, through surveys and direct interviews, we have arrived at the conclusion that the Lean method could be an efficient way of improving the Romanian healthcare system.Implications: During the study, researchers have involved in observing and understanding waste in the healthcare system.Value: The paper presents a new vision for improving and better organizing the Romanian healthcare system.