ObjectiveTo analyze the application status and existing problems of value stream mapping (VSM) in improving medical services at home and abroad, so as to provide decision evidence for hospitals to apply VSM to improve medical services.MethodsUsing “value stream mapping” and “value stream” as search terms, we searched PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, CQVIP Journal Database and Wanfang Database (2009-2019), and collected relevant literature on the application of VSM to improve medical services at home and abroad. We conducted bibliometric analysis after confirming the literature according to the inclusion criteria. The standardization of application of VSM was also evaluated.ResultsOf the 299 articles retrieved, 13 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The publication time of the literature was distributed between 2013 and 2019. Of the 8 foreign articles included, the regions to which the first author belonged were 4 in the United States, 1 in Ireland, Norway, Lebanon and Indonesia respectively. Of the 5 included domestic articles, the regions to which the first author belonged were 2 in Zhejiang and Shanghai respectively, and 1 in Guangdong. Of the foreign literature, 5 articles did not clearly state the sample size observed when drawing VSM, 5 articles incomplete drawing elements of VSM, and 3 articles did not show VSM. Of the domestic literature, 2 articles did not clearly state the sample size observed when drawing VSM, 3 articles had incomplete drawing elements of VSM, and 1 article did not show VSM.ConclusionsVSM is relatively more used in high-income and upper-middle income countries. The medical service improvement issues for which VSM is applied are relatively single. The standardization of the application of VSM in domestic and foreign literature needs to be improved overall.