Visual Management in Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review of Main Practices and Applications

Visual Management illustrates lean measures by non-verbal means. It provides alternatives aiming to reduce complexity and expenses in Complex Sociotechnical Systems, such as hospitals. Consequently, VM also enhances hospital’s sustainability and increases processes transparency. This study addresses the main practices and devices supported by Visual Management used in healthcare presented in articles selected from a systematic literature review. Of 330 studies, 45 were examined from the perspective of: (i) approach nature (whether it is a practice or a device); (ii) user adhesion and (iii) performance dimensions. The most cited practice supported by Visual Management aimed at developments in information flow, and for Visual Device was visual reminders and electronic messages. An Importance Score framework is developed for the implementation of Visual Management practices/devices. The highest scores are indicated for implementation: standardized work and collaborative work, supported by posters and computers.