Lean Healthcare Logistics Enhancing Efficiency and Impact on Patient Care

In today’s complex and resource-sensitive healthcare environment, efficient logistics systems are critical to delivering timely, high-quality patient care. Healthcare logistics encompasses the management of materials, equipment, and information flow across the care continuum. However, inefficiencies, waste, and fragmented processes often compromise operational performance and patient outcomes.

This course introduces the principles of Lean methodology—a proven approach derived from manufacturing that focuses on eliminating waste and continuously improving processes. By applying Lean principles to healthcare logistics, organizations can significantly enhance workflow efficiency, reduce operational costs, and most importantly, improve the quality and responsiveness of patient care.

Participants will explore the core concepts of Lean, such as Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery, 5S, Kanban, and Value Stream Mapping, and learn how to apply these tools to optimize logistics processes in real healthcare settings. Through simulations, case studies, and action plan development, this course empowers healthcare professionals to lead and sustain Lean logistics initiatives within their facilities.

• Define Lean principles and their application in healthcare logistics by the end of the first session.
• Identify inefficiencies in healthcare logistics using value stream mapping by the end of the course.
• Apply Lean tools (such as 5S, Kanban, and JIT) to improve inventory and supply chain management in healthcare logistics by the end of the course.
• Evaluate the impact of Lean logistics on patient care delivery and operational efficiency through case study analysis.
• Create a Lean logistics implementation plan for a healthcare facility by the end of the course.