Typically entrenched and systemic, healthcare problems require the sort of comprehensive solutions that can only be addressed by a change in culture and a shift in thinking. Applying Lean in Healthcare: A Collection of International Case Studies demonstrates how honest appraisal, intelligent planning, and vigilant follow-up have led to dramatic improvements in a variety of healthcare settings across the world. It teaches us how innovative organizations can find sustainable solutions to seemingly intractable problems by following a path guided by Lean Thinking. Lean methods may not solve every healthcare problem, but as these cases prove, changing a culture rather than personnel results in more effective sustainable change.

Joe Aherne is CEO of the Leading Edge Group. John Whelton is the Director of North American Operations for the Leading Edge Group.

Introduction to Lean Healthcare. Making It Lean. Providing Rapid Access to a Vascular Surgery Outpatient Clinic. Reorganizing and Standardizing Supply Rooms across a Health System. A Quick-Start Lean Method to Cut the Clutter and Get Your Hospital Back into Shape. Applying Lean Thinking to the Outpatient Registration Process. Establishing a Standardized and Efficient Client Laboratory Supplies Process. Improving Accommodation and Organizational Arrangements at an Outpatient Antenatal Clinic. Improving Wait Times at a Medical Oncology Unit. Minimizing the Time from "Cooking Pot to Patient". A Journey in Lean Bringing about Change, Improving Quality for the Patient, and Developing the Culture of a Healthcare Organization. Process Improvements to Reduce Operating Room Cancellations. The Future for Lean Healthcare. Glossary.