Healthcare analytics and data solutions and services provider Truven Health Analytics has announced the acquisition of Joan Wellman & Associates (JWA Consulting), an organisation focused on the use of Advanced Lean in hospitals and health systems. The strategic acquisition combines Truven's market-leading cost and quality analytics and consulting expertise with JWA's pioneering healthcare process improvement capabilities to help healthcare stakeholders improve quality and safety while reducing costs and improving access to care.
The JWA acquisition follows closely on the heels of Truven Health's April 2014 acquisition of Simpler Consulting, a global leader in providing Lean enterprise transformation services. JWA will add to Truven Health's strengths in the Lean management arena, bringing additional specialised expertise in Advanced Lean Operating Systems, Lean leadership coaching and training, and Lean facility design.
JWA Consulting is a pioneer in adaptation of Toyota Production System principles for healthcare. JWA has built an exceptionally strong foundation in pediatric and academic healthcare, helping clients achieve dramatic improvements in operations and clinical quality, cost reduction, healthcare access and employee and patient safety.
Wellman and the entire JWA management team will continue to run the business as part of the Simpler unit of Truven Health Analytics and will report into Marc Hafer, president, Simpler Consulting.
With this acquisition, Truven will offer a comprehensive range of analytics, data management, consulting, and performance improvement services to hospitals and health systems, including Lean training so that clients can achieve ever-improving access, delivery, and satisfaction with healthcare.
