Characterizing Managerial Decision Making in Public Hospitals: A Case Study from Romania

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health Policy
• Organizational Behavior

Background:

• Investigates managerial decision-making in Romanian public hospitals, focusing on the Northeast region.
• Examines decision-making models amidst pandemic-induced legislative, economic, technical, ethical, and organizational changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the decision-making model employed by managers in public hospital units.
• To understand the primary characteristics of these decision-making processes.

Main Methods:

• Employs a mixed-method research approach.
• Combines semi-structured interviews and autoethnography to capture decision-maker experiences and ethical considerations.

Main Results:

• Managerial decisions are influenced by patient vulnerability, lack of clear hierarchy, personalized care, complex processes, and technology.
• External political and economic factors, along with internal ethical dilemmas, significantly impact decision-making.

Conclusions:

• Highlights the importance of evidence-based decision-making and a consultative managerial style.
• Contributes a practical decision-making model with tools to guide managers in Romanian public hospitals.