[Optimization of working in the operating room by minimizing losses and improving flow].

The need for development of practices within the Finnish healthcare system is immense. Economic threats will force the system to streamline treatment processes without sacrificing quality. Surgical operations bind resources and represent one of the most expensive units in the hospital. By developing the respective procedures it is possible to achieve significant changes in the patient's entire care pathway. Lean is a practical management philosophy involving fairly expedient and structured methods of work development. On the basis of available research results and practical experiences Lean is very well suited for a method of development of practices within healthcare.