A new study from the Center for Lean Engagement and Research highlights how health care leaders are using lean management practices to advance health equity and scale initiatives that ensure high-quality care for all patients. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 67 leaders across five U.S. hospital systems, the research reveals that leadership plays a critical role in embedding equity and workforce diversity goals into everyday operations through lean approaches to process improvement. The authors call for the development of new measurement systems with clearly defined performance metrics to hold organizations accountable to equity standards, reinforced by government agencies, professional associations, and accrediting bodies. Examples include integrating equity-specific measures into Medicare Advantage STAR ratings, professional recognition programs, and hospital accreditation criteria. This work underscores the potential of lean management to drive lasting improvements in both care quality and equity across the health system.
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