This care model improved physician productivity by 5%, patient satisfaction by 14.1% — 5 things to know

Researchers found healthcare facilities that employed a Lean primary care model experienced significant benefits including improved physician productivity and higher patient satisfaction scores, according to a study published in American Journal of Managed Care.

Researchers analyzed Lean-based redesigns for 46 primary care departments in 17 nonprofit ambulatory care delivery systems.

Here are five things to know:

1. Physician productivity increased 5 percent after facilities implemented a Lean primary care model. The model did not compromise patient care.

2. Patient satisfaction rose 14.1 percent, from 49.1 percent to 63.2 percent.

3. Following the model's implementation, patient perception of access to care through appointments, phone calls, online messages and referrals increased by 48.4 percent.

4. The study found a slight decrease in operating expenses but noted the decrease was not statistically significant.

5. The researchers concluded, "Our findings indicate that an ambulatory care system can develop and scale Lean redesigns with largely beneficial consequences. These results may lead other delivery system leaders to innovate using Lean management techniques, and, if the findings replicate in other systems, they may further enhance support for Lean learning among public and private payers."

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.