Definition of the categories and subcategories used in analyses and their relation to the research questions
| Categories | Subcategories | Definition | Items in the kaizen template included in the analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Situation triggering an improvement suggestion | Proactive | Idea for improvement, not clearly stemming from a problem | 5, 6 |
| Reactive | A reaction to a problem encountered that is clearly described | ||
| Organisational processes addressed26 | Primary clinical process | Set of activities to diagnose, treat and care for patients and address specific health problems | 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 16 |
| Support processes | Set of activities that support the primary clinical process but do not (alone) improve patient health (eg, diagnostic processes, medication management) | ||
| Technical/administrative Processes | Set of activities that deal with the structures and infrastructures needed for the general functioning of the hospital that not directly involve patients or healthcare professionals (eg, payment of staff or the supply of goods or services, physical environment) | ||
| Complexity level in the issues addressed and improvement actions proposed27 | Simple | One or very few components, interventions, outcomes, actors and/or units are involved | 5–6, 9, 12, 15, 16 |
| Complex | Many components, interventions, outcomes, actors and/or units involved | ||
| Outcomes addressed/expected10 | Operational | Reduces non-value-adding activities, leads to increased effectiveness, efficiency and productivity (eg, increased service quality and patient safety, better use of resources) | 9, 12, 15, 16 |
| Sociotechnical | Improves aspects related to staff and work environment (eg, job satisfaction, stress, worker health, safety and well-being, work performance, innovation and creativity, organisational involvement, and organisational citizenship) |