Abstract:

In an age of changing healthcare systems, the focus is more than ever on efficiency. Lean management means "lean" management (Angerer et al., 2020) and promises not only an increase in efficiency, but also the optimization of existing resources by avoiding waste (Haubrock, 2018, p. 540 f.). Traditional management approaches in the healthcare sector have mainly focused on reducing resources (Toussaint et al., 2017, p. 1) In the healthcare sector, the lean management approach has already established itself in hospitals (so-called lean hospitals) as a measure to improve efficiency and quality (Angerer/Hollenstein, 2020, p. 182; Angerer et al., 2020; Bagattini, 2017). To date, medical practices have not yet been managed according to lean management methods, although lean management principles are predestined for improvement in terms of efficient organization and promotion of the quality of care in medical practices (Angerer/Hollenstein, 2020, p. 182; Angerer et al., 2020; Bagattini, 2017). In order to close this research gap, this paper examines the applicability of lean management services in the context of medical practices. Particular attention is paid to the transferability of existing lean hospital experiences.