Title: A quality management model for integrated healthcare in Poland

Authors: Iga Rudawska; Hans Ruediger Kaufmann

Addresses: University of Szczecin, Ul. Mickiewicza 64, 71-101 Szczecin, Poland ' School of Business, University of Nicosial, 46, Makedonitissas Ave., 1700 Nicosial, Cyprus; International Business School, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio alėja 22, Vilnius 10225, Lithuania

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to identify the indicators of a quality management model for integrated healthcare settings in Poland. In order to elicit the items and clusters of quality management, a three-step methodology has been applied: a literature review, a Delphi study, and concept mapping. The literature study resulted in 91 elements of integrated care. The two Delphi rounds were carried out in order to determine the importance of the identified items. Finally, the concept mapping was used to cluster the elements. Hierarchical cluster analysis and multi-dimensional statistical analysis were applied to design the quality management model. We received nine clusters that were labelled by the expert panel. The identified items and clusters focus on patient pathway management, patient centeredness, inter-organisational and inter-sectoral cooperation. The developed model could serve evaluation and improvement purposes in integrated healthcare settings not only in Poland, but in all countries that face healthcare reforms.

Keywords: Poland; integrated healthcare; qualitative research; quality indicators; multidimensional statistical analysis; quality management; patient pathway management; patient centeredness; inter-organisational cooperation; inter-sectoral cooperation; healthcare reform; healthcare management.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2015.068582

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2015 Vol.11 No.2/3, pp.247 - 266

Published online: 06 Apr 2015 *

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