Digital twins in healthcare through a lean perspective: a systematic review of patient value and continuous improvement

Purpose This research aims to examine how Lean enhances the implementation and value creation of Digital Twins (DT) in healthcare. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA method. The analysis encompassed 80 studies, focusing on implementation methods, integration in healthcare contexts, patient experience and critical success factors. Findings DT in healthcare is mostly conceptual, hindered by data and ethical challenges. Lean methodologies provide structure, aligning DT with patient-centred value and continuous improvement. Success depends on clinical workflow integration and patient engagement, although comparative studies remain scarce. Research limitations/implications The research results reflect the limitations of the reviewed literature, which does not yet provide robust evidence of the practical implementation of DT in clinical settings. This highlights the need for future research that integrating Lean methodologies and a patient-centred approach, with the aim of strengthening the applicability of DT in healthcare. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by drawing attention to the discrepancy between the theoretical development of DT and their practical application. It emphasises the importance of incorporating Lean principles and patient-centred value metrics. Incorporating these principles shows promise for advancing both, theory and practice.