1.Improving the Waiting Time in Outpatient Clinics Using Lean Approach in Hospital: A Systematic Review
Majed Albalawi ; Aidalina Mahmud ; Rosliza Abdul Manaf ; Ahmad Iqmer Nashriq Mohd Nazan ; Ahmad Aljohani ; Aslah Mohamad
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2024;20(No.1):263-270
Introduction: The use of the lean approach in healthcare has rapidly gained popularity globally, although this approach was more routinely used in the manufacturing sector as opposed to health. Besides, recent studies confirm the
suitability of the lean approach applications for improving the quality of medical care. This study aimed to determine
the Lean approach’s capacity to improve the waiting time in outpatient clinics in hospitals. Methods: The systematic
review approach was employed to help in the research procedures. Search databases used included Ovid, Google
scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, and archive. Besides, search terminologies such as the Lean approach, Hospital-implementation, waiting time, and patient flow were used to help identify sources that best suited the investigation
process. Results: The review revealed that the lean approach is suitable for the reduction of waiting times as well as
for improving efficiency in the clinic. The outcomes provide a basis for reducing the average waiting time within the
hospital. Conclusion: This study recommended that healthcare facilities and departments should take a keen interest
in implementing the Lean approaches, as they are crucial for reducing waiting time.