Achieving impact with clinical process management in hospitals: an inspiring case

Abstract

PurposeIn the OECD countries, hospitals face increased financial restrictions and competition. Process orientation is an essential means of remaining competitive. A wide range of theories and concepts relating to clinical process management already exists. When it comes to practical implementation, however, a comprehensive approach for the target‐oriented and consistent introduction of clinical process management throughout an entire hospital is missing. The purpose of this paper is to document the case of a German hospital that has realised a project of this kind and demonstrate the impacts on cooperation and on operational efficiency, which is understood as the degree to which a hospital is capable of steadily realising short lengths of stay.Design/methodology/approachThe case shows the approach to implementing theories and concepts for managing clinical processes in practice as a consistent management system in the day‐to‐day use of process management and its impacts.FindingsThe effect of using clinical processes shown in the case is an additional net profit of several million euros a year – without a reduction in quality.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the impacts of clinical pathways on hospitals are not country‐specific, the reasons are nonetheless subject to the political and economic conditions. Therefore, some findings are only valid for hospitals in German‐speaking countries. However, major effects (e.g. reduction in the length of stay) may exist everywhere.Originality/valueThe paper shows how process orientation in a medium‐sized hospital can be systematically implemented.