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Challenges and potential improvements in hospital patient flow: the contribution of frontline, top and middle management professionals

Raffaella Gualandi (Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy)
Cristina Masella (Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy)
Daniela Viglione (Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy)
Daniela Tartaglini (Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy)

Journal of Health Organization and Management

ISSN: 1477-7266

Article publication date: 25 September 2020

Issue publication date: 16 October 2020

549

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to describe and understand the contributions of frontline, middle and top management healthcare professionals in detecting areas of potential improvement in hospital patient flow and proposing solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative interview study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 professionals in the orthopedic department of a 250-bed academic teaching hospital. Data were analyzed through a thematic framework analytical approach by using an a priori framework. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative (COREQ) checklist for qualitative studies was followed.

Findings

When dealing with a hospital-wide process, the involvement of all professionals, including nonhealth professionals, can reveal priority areas for improvement and for services integration. The improvements identified by the professionals largely focus on covering major gaps detected in the technical and administrative quality.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on the professional viewpoint and the connections between services and further studies should explore the role of patient involvement. The study design could limit the generalizability of findings.

Practical implications

Improving high-quality, efficient hospital patient flow cannot be accomplished without learning the perspective of the healthcare professionals on the process of service delivery.

Originality/value

Few qualitative studies explore professionals' perspectives on patient needs in hospital flow management. This study provides insights into what produces value for the patient within a complex process by analyzing the contribution of professionals from their particular role in the organization.

Keywords

Citation

Gualandi, R., Masella, C., Viglione, D. and Tartaglini, D. (2020), "Challenges and potential improvements in hospital patient flow: the contribution of frontline, top and middle management professionals", Journal of Health Organization and Management, Vol. 34 No. 8, pp. 829-848. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHOM-11-2019-0316

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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