A Value-Based Taxonomy of Improvement Approaches in Healthcare
Journal article, 2017

© 2017, © Emerald Publishing Limited. Purpose: The concept of value is becoming increasingly fashionable in healthcare and various improvement approaches (IAs) have been introduced with the aim of increasing value. The purpose of this paper is to construct a taxonomy that supports the management of parallel IAs in healthcare. Design/methodology/approach: Based on previous research, this paper proposes a taxonomy that includes the dimensions of view on value and organizational focus; three contemporary IAs – lean, value-based healthcare, and patient-centered care – are related to the taxonomy. An illustrative qualitative case study in the context of psychiatric (psychosis) care is then presented that contains data from 23 interviews and focuses on the value concept, IAs, and the proposed taxonomy. Findings: Respondents recognized the dimensions of the proposed taxonomy and indicated its usefulness as support for choosing and combining different IAs into a coherent management model, and for facilitating dialog about IAs. The findings also suggested that the view of value as “health outcomes” is widespread, but healthcare professionals are less likely than managers to also view value as a process. Originality/value: The conceptual contribution of this paper is to delineate some important characteristics of IAs in relation to the emerging “value era”. It also highlights the coexistence of different IAs in healthcare management practice. A taxonomy is proposed that can help managers choose, adapt, and combine IAs in local management models.

Author

Christian Colldén

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Service Management and Logistics

Ida Gremyr

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Service Management and Logistics

Andreas Hellström

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Service Management and Logistics

Daniella Sporraeus

University of Gothenburg

Journal of Health, Organisation and Management

1477-7266 (ISSN)

Vol. 31 4 445-458

Subject Categories

Other Mechanical Engineering

Areas of Advance

Production

Life Science Engineering (2010-2018)

DOI

10.1108/JHOM-08-2016-0162

More information

Latest update

11/22/2019