Hospitals in South Africa Benefit from Lean Management

Transforming Healthcare Systems and Improving Patient Care Doesn’t Require Big Budgets or Expensive Technology

APPLETON, Wis.--()--Following the Lean Healthcare Summit hosted by the Lean Institute Africa, Catalysis today shared some of the initial results related to lean implementation at hospitals and health systems in South Africa. The successes these healthcare leaders are achieving are a direct result of implementing lean strategies created by Catalysis.

“CEOs and healthcare leaders in South Africa are implementing lean methods and benefiting from their efforts,” said John Toussaint, MD and CEO of Catalysis, who spoke at the annual summit. “Lean principles designed for hospital systems do not require big budgets or a wealth of technology to be effective. With the right training and dedication, hospital staff, from frontline workers to physicians and administrators, can make lasting change that ultimately benefits patients and reduces the total cost of healthcare.”

Grey Dube, CEO of Leratong Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, said that two common barriers for healthcare leaders include leading with humility and having self-discipline. With lean methods, Dube and his staff were able to all but eliminate patient wait times and congestion previously happening at the organization’s clinics, pharmacy and a number of other departments.

Gladys Bogoshi, CEO of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, also in Johannesburg, said that implementing lean allowed her hospital to improve efficiency across the board. For example, operating room efficiency has improved by 36%.

“These examples of improving patient service and more efficient use of hospital resources mean these organizations are able to enhance operations without reducing staff or cutting budgets,” said Toussaint. “With proper coaching, video instruction and support, Catalysis helps healthcare leaders improve their health systems. Lean improvements will only continue to benefit patients in the long run.”

Since its inception in 2008, the Catalysis team has worked with thousands of healthcare leaders around the world to implement lean healthcare principles. Experts at Catalysis use real-world examples to design lean management courses, conduct site visits, and provide other educational resources to hospital and healthcare system leaders. These offerings aim to increase healthcare quality and decrease healthcare spending, resulting in better value for patients. When implemented, lean healthcare focuses on high-quality patient care through widespread continuous improvement.

About Catalysis
Catalysis inspires healthcare leaders and accelerates change. With a focus on experiential education, Catalysis helps healthcare leaders in the United States and Europe create system-wide, transformative change. We believe in care delivery designed around the patient, payment and incentives based on value and outcomes, and transparency of performance (quality and cost). Founded in 2008, Catalysis is a not for profit with a mission to help create more healthcare value in the industry. Learn more at: createvalue.org.

Contacts

For Catalysis
Chuck Grothaus, 612-770-0026
chuck.grothaus@c2comms.com

Release Summary

Catalysis shares the benefits of lean healthcare management as experienced by hospitals in South Africa.

Contacts

For Catalysis
Chuck Grothaus, 612-770-0026
chuck.grothaus@c2comms.com