Are hospital managers ready for value-based healthcare? A review of the management competence literature

Abstract

Purpose

Hospital organisations are currently experiencing significant challenges that have encouraged a move towards a value-based approach to health care. However, such a transition requires understanding the underlying competencies required to enable such a focus. This paper aims to undertake a systematic review of the available literature on managerial competencies in hospitals and considers these in a value-based health-care context.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify research studies that describe the characteristics of management competence in hospital environments.

Findings

Categories and sub-categories of management competence in hospitals were identified and considered in a value-based health-care context.

Research limitations/implications

The systematic literature review identifies a need for further research regarding managerial competencies of managers of hospitals. Competencies for managing in a value-based health-care model also require deeper investigation.

Practical implications

The categories of management competence provide guidance to organisations transitioning towards value-based health care in terms of identifying and developing management competencies. Hospitals should consider the development of a competency model that includes broader categories of competencies than purely clinical or professional competencies.

Originality/value

This study builds upon and advances previous reviews of management competence in hospitals, and the competency categories presented can be used as a basis to identify management competency requirements in hospitals.

Citation

Walsh, A.P., Harrington, D. and Hines, P. (2020), "Are hospital managers ready for value-based healthcare? A review of the management competence literature", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 49-65. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-01-2019-1639