What is the concept of "lean management" in quality improvement?

Lean management is fundamentally a methodology that centers on enhancing efficiency within healthcare processes by systematically identifying and eliminating waste. This concept is rooted in the principles of lean thinking, which originated in manufacturing but has been effectively applied in various sectors, including healthcare.

In the context of quality improvement, lean management emphasizes streamlining processes to deliver value to patients while minimizing unnecessary costs or delays. By focusing on the steps that do not add value—such as excess inventory, overproduction, waiting times, and unnecessary movement—healthcare organizations can optimize their operations. This approach not only enhances the quality of care provided to patients but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement where staff members are encouraged to identify inefficiencies.

The other options do not capture the essence of lean management. Training programs or patient-centered approaches are integral to quality improvement but do not specifically reflect the lean focus on waste reduction. Meanwhile, increasing hospital revenue is a financial goal that may arise from improving efficiency but is not the main objective of lean management. Lean management is fundamentally about creating a smoother, more effective service delivery, which directly ties back to improved quality and safety in healthcare.