Another example of an instrument in line with lean is a
‘Care Programme’ [32]: all specified and coordinated activities
and measures, to deliver health care services or to reach
certain effects in a specified target population. In lean terms,
Care Programmes focus on a whole value system. Care
Programmes have shown to be effective in reducing symptoms
and improving patient satisfaction [33]. The development
of care programmes requires organizations to clearly
define the interventions that are included in the treatment of
a specified target population and to measure the effect of
these interventions. Even though Care Programmes have not
been developed as part of a lean implementation effort, they
help organizations to take a systemic view on improving performance,
something lean thinking promotes