A structured review of lean supply chain management in health care

Lean supply chain management illustrates a new approach to supplier networks. Lean principles require long-term supplier relationships and a highly integrated supply chain management system. Improvement of supplier partnerships and long-term strategic alliances are two main success factors of a lean system. The healthcare industry is one of the most important service sectors; nevertheless, just a few studies have been conducted on lean supply chain in this industry. Improving the supply chain system by using lean principles causes higher quality in health care companies. Lean consists of principles that drive health care companies to continually add value for the organization by improving processes. Although Lean has been applied in manufacturing more than 40 years, its principles are suited to help health care companies to improve systems by systematically addressing the quality, cost and safety. To become a lean health care organization, a company should plan to achieve long-term relationships with their suppliers. Supplier selection criteria will have a significant effect on increasing added value for lean systems. In this paper, by reviewing relevant literature, we compile a set of criteria which should be considered in lean supply chain network design in the health care industry. The results of this study will be beneficial for health care organizations to improve their supply chain management system.