Facilitators of modularity in healthcare services: An interpretive structural modeling approach

Abstract

The purpose ofthis paper is to perform structural analysis of facilitators of modular architecturein healthcare services by applying interpretive structural modeling (ISM).Inputs were taken from healthcare industry experts and academicians inidentifying and understanding interdependencies among facilitators of modulararchitecture in healthcare services. Further these interdependencies arestructured into a hierarchy in order to derive structural models to deliveruseful insights for theory and practice. Using the ISM approach the facilitatorsof modularity in healthcare services were clustered according to their drivingpower and dependence power. Patient centricity is at the bottom level of thehierarchy implying highest driving power and requires higher attention todeliver quality care outcomes. Facilitators like value dense environment, knowledgeand competence, goal alignment and le-agile strategies have medium driverand dependence powers. The study added insights to the theory of modularsystems. Theauthors recognize that modularity helps in enhancing the patientcentric orientation. The findings provide potentially important information tohealth service managers and providers, enabling them to understand therequisites of modular architecture. This is the first study exploring therelationships between facilitators of modularity in healthcare services. Thestudy complements literature on service modularity with reference to specializedcare unit of maternity services.