Competences in the management of health regions: Germany, Poland and Spain

Abstract

Abstract Background Germany has a comprehensive and diverse network of health regions, Spain has partial health regions and in Poland this model is not yet present. The purpose of this study is to summarize and compare the experiences of Spain and Germany in terms of health network managers activity, along with a potential and conditioning for the existence of similar structures in Poland, to determine what competences they need in each country and what are the similarities and differences between them. Methods In the three countries, 18 in total qualitative interviews were conducted with experts and stakeholders from the health sector, public administration, the health economy and health regions. The interviews focused on the current state of the health systems as well as the required competences of a regional health network manager. They were analysed for content. The following categories were created: Health, management, social skills and other competences. Results and discussion There is an overlap in the required competences in the three countries. A knowledge in the field of public health, the organisation and assessment of health services as well as communication and management skills are of importance. In addition, there are competences in fund raising and legal matters. Country-specific competencies and areas must be taken into account, e.g. in Germany addressing people with a migration background is a more central issue than in Poland, while in the latter country high pressure has been put on the soft skills. Conclusions European competence profile for managers of regional health networks is possible, which harmonizes with and complements the competence profile of public health specialists. Nonetheless, national profiles require to highlight different critical competences adapted to local conditions. Main message The competences of a regional health network manager are predominantly cross-national.