Lean organisation: a methodological determinant in the implementation of health information technology

This chapter discusses the ways in which the key role of the process approach is becoming increasingly important and central in healthcare organisations at both the micro− and meso−level, and how it is important and distinctive for health information technology (HIT) solutions. The topic is of considerable importance as it offers interesting insights into the governance of activities for translating the objectives contained in ‘Mission 6: Health’ of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan into concrete actions. The results of the study show that only through the detailed mapping of primary, secondary and support processes and through the participation of healthcare process owners and of citizens is it possible to both avoid failures and partial implementation, and to attain optimum premises for achieving the full potential benefits of HIT. Key words: Health information technology, lean organisation, process mapping, organisational models, cross fertilisation.