Challenges and potential improvements in hospital patient flow: the contribution of frontline, top and middle management professionals
Journal of Health Organization and Management
ISSN: 1477-7266
Article publication date: 25 September 2020
Issue publication date: 16 October 2020
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