Data Analysis and Related Applications, Volume 2

11Lean Management as an Improvement Factor in Health Services – The Case of Venizeleio General Hospital of Crete, Greece

In recent years, the issue of lean management has been of great concern to the health sector, as its previous applications in other sectors have demonstrated the significant benefits it can bring to the organizations that adopt it. This chapter examines the extent of the application of simple management in the health units of Greece and specifically in the Venizelio General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, examining the views of the employees.

The sample for the research consisted of 83 employees of the Venizelio General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, who were selected according to convenient sampling. The research method used was quantitative, and the research tool used was the questionnaire. The research data were analyzed according to the SPSS statistical package.

The results of the research showed that the Venizelio General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, has adopted and applies the principles of lean management to a significant degree. It was also found that employees have knowledge of lean management issues, while understanding the benefits of its implementation. In addition, the hospital staff is positive about acquiring additional knowledge about lean management.

11.1. Introduction

In the 21st century, the health sector has faced a multitude of fiscal problems as the demand for health services increases, as does their cost (Toussaint and Berry 2013). The ...