Lean as a Tool for Systematic Employee based Improvement of Psychosocial Factors in Hospitals

The work pressure in hospital is growing due to an increase in patient demands and economic constraints. Problems in communication and coordination often constitute important factors for the increased pressure. This paper describes the P-lean methodology which can facilitate solutions to such problems. The methodology builds on lean focusing on value stream mapping (VSM) in particular. Groups of employees carry out VSM of selected processes, follow up with the collection of data on the processes and develop suitable solutions. The data from testing of the methodology test shows that VSM, in particular, provides new insights, which help employees to identify and implement improvements. Hospital wards implementing the methodology need some external facilitator assistance. Communication and coordination across wards in the hospital are an important issue but proved to be difficult also with this methodology.