Quality and Quantity Factors in the Mind of Hospital Decision Makers: A Framework Analysis

Quantitative and qualitative factors are essential tools used by decision-makers to measure the effectiveness of their decisions. The present study was conducted with the aim of identifying key quantitative and qualitative factors for decision-making in a university teaching hospital.

In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with 15 managers and physicians of hospitals, as well as top managers of the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The semi-structured interview guide was designed based on three in-depth interviews and the Newhouse model. The framework analysis and Atlas-Ti software were used to analyze the qualitative data.

Eleven themes were identified (5 quantitative and 6 qualitative themes) as decision-making factors. Access to resources and where resources are consumed, Types, number of patients and efficiency of hospital facilities, employment and dismissal of employees, Optimal consumption of medical supplies and equipment, Maintenance of medical equipments, motivated and productive employees, perfect agent in the hospital-patient relationship, Evidence-based decision making, Organizational Commitment and Discipline, Reduce hospital complications, hospital's reputation.

These themes indicate that decision-makers mainly focus on specific factors in the quantitative and qualitative aspects of hospitals. By analyzing these factors, hospital decision-makers and policymakers can gain a better understanding of how hospital behavior is formed and identify areas for improvement.