Lean thinking in the hospital setting - Results of a systematic review of literature.

AIM: The aim of this study was to review experiences of use of the Lean methodology in the hospital setting and assess the impact of the interventions in terms of time of processes, productivity, effects on staff and patientd satisfaction. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL databases were searched to identify studies evaluating the lean methodology. Two reviewers screened the citations identified and extracted data according to the PRISMA methodology. RESULTS: In total, 635 citations were identified, of which 27 were included in the present review. Most studies showed a positive outcome related to the implementation of the Lean methodology and tools.