Analyzing the performance of health technologies distribution models in primary care services
ISSN: 1368-3047
Article publication date: 6 October 2020
Issue publication date: 24 November 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the evolution of the health-care scenario and the growing role of the primary care setting, the distribution processes of health technologies will be more and more in demand in the near future. This paper aims to investigate this theme, analyzing the performance, strengths and weaknesses of the current distribution practices, with the ultimate overarching aim to improve the provision of the primary care services.
Design/methodology/approach
The research framework is twofold. First, a tool to monitor the economic/quantitative performance of the distribution models was designed; second, the tool was applied to measure the performance of distribution models of absorbent devices for incontinence adopted by Local Health Authorities (LHA) in Lombardy Region (Italy). Quantitative data were collected by LHAs (from 2012 to 2016) and compared through data-benchmarking. Qualitative data from interviews and focus groups complemented the outcomes.
Findings
Two main distribution models were investigated: distribution through pharmacies and home delivery. Results show that there is no winning/preferable model in terms of economic/quantitative performance and service quality level, but a counterbalanced combination of strengths and weaknesses exists. Moving from the highlighted weaknesses and building on the strengths, an alternate distribution model is proposed for testing.
Originality/value
The present study approaches the theme of primary care services with a holistic approach, filling a literature gap. It also provides practitioners with a tool of performance analysis and management and real data, applicable also in international contexts. The collected real-world data also gives insights on the area of the quality of care, with particular reference to the patients’ experience. As a lesson learned, policymakers and the National Healthcare Service should re-think their current distribution models/practices in the light of the highlighted criticisms and opportunities for improvement.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper forms part of a special section “Enhancing Healthcare Performance Through Organizational Capabilities Alignment”, guest edited by Elio Borgonovi, Americo Cicchetti and Rocco Reina.
The authors would like to thank the LHA managers involved in the study and all the experts involved in the focus groups.
Citation
Garagiola, E., Creazza, A. and Porazzi, E. (2021), "Analyzing the performance of health technologies distribution models in primary care services", Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 452-474. https://doi.org/10.1108/MBE-11-2019-0109
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited