Abstract
Purpose
The purpose is to outline the conditions for a new service system in healthcare, which will be able to match the available capacity in and between healthcare units in order to match the need of care for the patients.
Methodology
By drawing on statements from patients, experiences from similar services (a literature review), empirical research into the effects of the reforms on free choice and the care guarantee and a theoretically informed discussion drawing on value-creation and service productivity it is claimed that a matching system is needed to be developed.
Findings
As healthcare lacks incentives and structures of matching capacity between various care providers, and for coordinating episodes of care for the patient the result is management of capacity that is difficult and uncertain for patients. Continuity and coordination during all the healthcare process are seen as important values by patients. It is valuable for patients to be matched in the coordination of contacts with providers and specialists.
Implications
Healthcare matching generates the supportive data for innovative service research. For management it could be applicable in different organizational areas, for patients in their choices of provider and for the providers, when matching the needs for patients. In further research it would be of value to discuss the barriers of matching.
Originality/value
Outlining the conditions for a service system, healthcare matching, is not done before.
The purpose is to outline the conditions for a new service system in healthcare, which will be able to match the available capacity in and between healthcare units in order to match the need of care for the patients.
Methodology
By drawing on statements from patients, experiences from similar services (a literature review), empirical research into the effects of the reforms on free choice and the care guarantee and a theoretically informed discussion drawing on value-creation and service productivity it is claimed that a matching system is needed to be developed.
Findings
As healthcare lacks incentives and structures of matching capacity between various care providers, and for coordinating episodes of care for the patient the result is management of capacity that is difficult and uncertain for patients. Continuity and coordination during all the healthcare process are seen as important values by patients. It is valuable for patients to be matched in the coordination of contacts with providers and specialists.
Implications
Healthcare matching generates the supportive data for innovative service research. For management it could be applicable in different organizational areas, for patients in their choices of provider and for the providers, when matching the needs for patients. In further research it would be of value to discuss the barriers of matching.
Originality/value
Outlining the conditions for a service system, healthcare matching, is not done before.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 304-318 |
| Journal | International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences |
| Volume | Vol.3 |
| Issue number | No 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Other Social Sciences
Free keywords
- accessibility
- coordination
- health care
- matching
- service system
- value creation