Last update:
   06-Jul-2023
 

Arch Hellen Med, 40(4), July-August 2023, 535-539

SPECIAL ARTICLE

The application of lean management in the perioperative care of patients with colon cancer

G. Ayiomamitis,1 E. Biskanaki,2 Α. Skitsou,3 A. Dres,4 G. Charalambous3,5
1First Department of Surgery, "Tzanio" General Hospital of Pireus, Pireus, Greece
2Pharmaceutical Department, General Hospital of Livadia, Livadia, Greece
3Frederick University, Nicosia, Cyprus
4DA Educational and HM Services Ltd, Nikosia, Cyprus
5Emergency Department, "Hippocrateio" General Hospital, Athens, Greece

Lean management is based on protocols that aim to organize, standardize, and exclude unnecessary steps that have no real value. In health, lean thinking translates as minimizing unnecessary actions, reducing delays, correcting mistakes, improving quality, but also reducing costs and working time. This study presents the application of lean thinking and management in the perioperative care of patients with colon cancer, through the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol, with a significant impact on the quality of patient care and the rational use of limited resources of health structures.

Key words: Colon cancer, Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol, Lean management, Lean thinking, Perioperative care.

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