Lean implementation manual for reducing cost in healthcare through the application of lean principles

Waste is one of many contributors to the skyrocketing cost of healthcare. Healthcare organizations implement various quality techniques in an effort to reduce costs and improve quality while increasing efficiency to remain competitive in the healthcare market.;This project is an educational tool that describes Lean - one of many quality methods available today used to achieve waste reduction and efficiency. The lean project handbook in the appendix provides the history of Lean, the definitions of waste, and identifies where to look for potential projects. It also explains how to gather appropriate information and obtain approvals to apply Lean principles.;Publications already exist that provide descriptions and examples of Lean tools. This project walks the reader through what to do before using the Lean tools and provides a matrix that links Lean tools with common types of improvement to speed up implementation of Lean in the field of healthcare.