Exploring a process-oriented way of working - a case study involving primary and specialised care

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Change
• Process Improvement

Background:

• Healthcare organizations traditionally use decentralized structures.
• Process-oriented approaches are needed to address healthcare challenges.
• Limited understanding exists on shifting from decentralized to process-oriented models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore healthcare staff and leader perceptions during the introduction of a process-oriented routine.
• To understand the interplay of factors during this organizational shift.

Main Methods:

• Interviews and focus groups with 29 participants (managers, schedulers, physicians) in primary and specialized care.
• Study conducted in a Swedish healthcare region.
• Data analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Three themes emerged: readiness to act, the role of trust, and transformation challenges.
• Staff and leaders are positive about the new approach.
• Readiness to act is hindered by trust issues, cultural factors, and resource constraints.

Conclusions:

• Organizational, social, and individual relational factors are crucial for implementing process-oriented work in complex healthcare systems.
• Addressing trust and structural issues is key for successful transformation.