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Purpose The purpose of this study is to improve the operating theatre workflow in the healthcare sector by integrating Lean and Industry 4.0 AI-based approaches. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was conducted, involving operational and management professionals selected through purposive sampling, based on predefined inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyse the data, supported by evidence from a prior scoping review. Findings The study identified key delays in operating theatres, including late patient arrivals, poor team coordination, incomplete pre-operative preparations and inadequate pre-surgery assessment, but AI tools can predict delays with substantial accuracy, enabling proactive scheduling adjustments. The integration of AI and Lean was found to streamline OT workflows, which reduces delays in patient waiting time in healthcare. Research limitations/implications A limitation of this study is a lack of empirical application of Lean and AI, and a current integration gap requires stronger staff training and involvement. However, the study has implications for practice in its recommendations to implement AI and Lean to improve patient flow. Originality/value While Lean 4.0 is gaining popularity in general healthcare management, there remains a paucity of empirical research specifically targeting the intersection of AI- and Lean principles in the operating theatre. This study seeks to bridge that gap by synthesizing expert insights with existing literature to provide a focused framework for implementation.
Karunakaran et al. (Thu,) studied this question.