title: [Lean logistics management in healthcare: a case study].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the applicability of the principles of Lean Production to manage the supply chain of a hospital. In particular, to determine which Lean practices and principles are applicable, the benefits obtained and the main barriers for its implementation. Managing the hospital supply chain is an important issue, both for its effect on the quality of care and its impact on costs.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is based on a case study.
  
  
  METHODS
  2005-10.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hospital Virgen Macarena in Seville. Process of implementing a comprehensive logistics management plan based on Lean principles and technological investments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The implementation of the comprehensive plan has reduced inventory, decreased lead times and improved service quality. Also, there have been other important improvements: enhanced employee satisfaction and increased staff productivity, both dedicated to health and the logistics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The experience analysed has shown the applicability and appropriateness of Lean principles and some of its techniques in managing the logistics of hospitals. It also identifies some of the main difficulties that may arise.
authors.affiliation: Grupo de Investigación GIDEAO, Departamento de Economía Financiera y Dirección de Operaciones, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain. victorg@us.es
authors.forename: V G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Aguilar-Escobar
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Garrido-Vega
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006739:Hospital Administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008421:Materials Management, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*