OBJECTIVE

To implement the lean management principles in the work of the radiotherapy department and evaluate the results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted in the Department of Radiotherapy of the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center for Oncology and was divided into three stages: mapping the department’s functioning process (stage 1), implementing several transformations (stage 2), and analyzing the effectiveness of the measures taken and implementation of the lean management principles (stage 3). The effectiveness of these measures was assessed by direct comparison of indicators in absolute and relative values before and after 2020.

RESULTS

The work processes in the department were mapped. Modifying stages 2 and 3 allowed for time savings of up to 20 minutes during the preparation for one patient’s hospitalization and 5 to 20 minutes for each patient’s treatment per day. The increase in patient flow in November 2021 compared to November 2020 was 49.5%, and 395% in December 2021 compared to December 2020. The increase in patient flow in January 2021 compared to January 2020 was 140%, and 127% in February 2021 compared to February 2020.

CONCLUSION

The high efficiency of lean management methods was demonstrated through the example of the work of the radiotherapy department. The approach can be extended to radiotherapy departments in oncology clinics in the Russian Federation.