Is Lean sustainable in today's NHS hospitals? A systematic literature review using the meta-narrative and integrative methods

Authors: Woodnutt, S.

Journal: International Journal for Quality in Health Care

Volume: 30

Issue: 8

Pages: 578-586

eISSN: 1464-3677

ISSN: 1353-4505

DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzy070

Abstract:

Methodological variance and quality, heterogeneity of value and divergent approaches are reasons for the varied results of Lean interventions in healthcare despite ongoing global popularity. However, there is piecemeal evidence addressing the sustainability of initiatives-the aim of this review is to use an integrative approach to consider Lean's sustainability and the quality of available evidence in today's National Health Service (NHS). Data sources: A literature review of AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane, JBI, SCOPUS, DelphiS, MEDLINE, EMBASE, MIDIRS, Web of Science and PsycINFO electronic databases was conducted. Study selection: Peer-reviewed studies in NHS hospitals/trusts that concerned undiluted, servicewide Lean adoption and contained quantitative data were included. Reference lists were consulted for evidence via a snowball approach. Methodological quality was assessed using an adapted critical appraisal tool. Data extraction: Research design, method of intervention, outcome measures and sustainability were extracted. Results of data synthesis: Electronic searches identified 12 studies eligible for inclusion. This comprised of five quasi-experimental designs (one mixed-method), three multi-site analyses, one action research, one failure mode and effects analysis, one content analysis of annual reports and one systematic review. Six articles considered sustainability with two of these providing measured successes. Despite diverse and positive outcomes studies lacked scientific rigour, failed to consider confounding issues, were at risk of positive bias and did not demonstrate sustainability with any statistical significance. Conclusion: Lean has ostensible value but it is difficult to draw a conclusion on efficacy or sustainability. Higher quality scientific research into Lean and the effect of staffing cultures on initiatives are needed to ascertain the extent that Lean can affect healthcare quality and subsequently be sustained.

Source: Scopus

Is Lean sustainable in today's NHS hospitals? A systematic literature review using the meta-narrative and integrative methods.

Authors: Woodnutt, S.

Journal: Int J Qual Health Care

Volume: 30

Issue: 8

Pages: 578-586

eISSN: 1464-3677

DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzy070

Abstract:

PURPOSE: Methodological variance and quality, heterogeneity of value and divergent approaches are reasons for the varied results of Lean interventions in healthcare despite ongoing global popularity. However, there is piecemeal evidence addressing the sustainability of initiatives-the aim of this review is to use an integrative approach to consider Lean's sustainability and the quality of available evidence in today's National Health Service (NHS). DATA SOURCES: A literature review of AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane, JBI, SCOPUS, DelphiS, MEDLINE, EMBASE, MIDIRS, Web of Science and PsycINFO electronic databases was conducted. STUDY SELECTION: Peer-reviewed studies in NHS hospitals/trusts that concerned undiluted, service-wide Lean adoption and contained quantitative data were included. Reference lists were consulted for evidence via a snowball approach. Methodological quality was assessed using an adapted critical appraisal tool. DATA EXTRACTION: Research design, method of intervention, outcome measures and sustainability were extracted. RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: Electronic searches identified 12 studies eligible for inclusion. This comprised of five quasi-experimental designs (one mixed-method), three multi-site analyses, one action research, one failure mode and effects analysis, one content analysis of annual reports and one systematic review. Six articles considered sustainability with two of these providing measured successes. Despite diverse and positive outcomes studies lacked scientific rigour, failed to consider confounding issues, were at risk of positive bias and did not demonstrate sustainability with any statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Lean has ostensible value but it is difficult to draw a conclusion on efficacy or sustainability. Higher quality scientific research into Lean and the effect of staffing cultures on initiatives are needed to ascertain the extent that Lean can affect healthcare quality and subsequently be sustained.

Source: PubMed

Is Lean sustainable in today's NHS hospitals? A systematic literature review using the meta-narrative and integrative methods

Authors: Woodnutt, S.

Journal: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR QUALITY IN HEALTH CARE

Volume: 30

Issue: 8

Pages: 578-586

eISSN: 1464-3677

ISSN: 1353-4505

DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzy070

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Is Lean sustainable in today's NHS hospitals? A systematic literature review using the meta-narrative and integrative methods.

Authors: Woodnutt, S.

Journal: International journal for quality in health care : journal of the International Society for Quality in Health Care

Volume: 30

Issue: 8

Pages: 578-586

eISSN: 1464-3677

ISSN: 1353-4505

DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzy070

Abstract:

Purpose

Methodological variance and quality, heterogeneity of value and divergent approaches are reasons for the varied results of Lean interventions in healthcare despite ongoing global popularity. However, there is piecemeal evidence addressing the sustainability of initiatives-the aim of this review is to use an integrative approach to consider Lean's sustainability and the quality of available evidence in today's National Health Service (NHS).

Data sources

A literature review of AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane, JBI, SCOPUS, DelphiS, MEDLINE, EMBASE, MIDIRS, Web of Science and PsycINFO electronic databases was conducted.

Study selection

Peer-reviewed studies in NHS hospitals/trusts that concerned undiluted, service-wide Lean adoption and contained quantitative data were included. Reference lists were consulted for evidence via a snowball approach. Methodological quality was assessed using an adapted critical appraisal tool.

Data extraction

Research design, method of intervention, outcome measures and sustainability were extracted.

Results of data synthesis

Electronic searches identified 12 studies eligible for inclusion. This comprised of five quasi-experimental designs (one mixed-method), three multi-site analyses, one action research, one failure mode and effects analysis, one content analysis of annual reports and one systematic review. Six articles considered sustainability with two of these providing measured successes. Despite diverse and positive outcomes studies lacked scientific rigour, failed to consider confounding issues, were at risk of positive bias and did not demonstrate sustainability with any statistical significance.

Conclusion

Lean has ostensible value but it is difficult to draw a conclusion on efficacy or sustainability. Higher quality scientific research into Lean and the effect of staffing cultures on initiatives are needed to ascertain the extent that Lean can affect healthcare quality and subsequently be sustained.

Source: Europe PubMed Central