LEADERSHIP IN HEALTHCARE ORGANISATIONS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the evolution and different approaches of leadership in healthcare organisations, potential challenges and opportunities for improvement as effective leadership strategy and style promotes and ensures overall high performance as seen through financial results and population health status. The methodologyof this paper is based on general scientific research methods, including historical and logical analysis, critical literature review and content analysis, generalisation and extrapolation, which were used to examine the development of leadership theory, evaluate the effectiveness of each approach based on its distinguishing characteristics, and identify the key challenges and opportunities of healthcare leadership. The resultsof this study highlight the importance of leadership in healthcare, especially given the differences between the healthcare sector and other industries. The analysis allowed to identify the key challenges in healthcare management: rising healthcare costs; patient safety and quality improvement; shortage of medical staff; regulatory compliance; and healthcare information technology (HIT) challenges. At the same time, key opportunities for further improvement in healthcare leadership were identified and discussed, such as innovation and integration of digital healthcare; value-based care models; population health management; interdisciplinary collaboration and team-based care; and data-driven decision-making and analytics. Practical implications. The results of this study have practical implications for education and management. For example, managerial and medical education and experience are essential in preparing leaders for healthcare organisations, as leaders should be aware of all the procedures and requirements of medical practice. In addition, the opportunities discussed in healthcare leadership indicate the directions for improvement and transformation of current management practices in the healthcare sector. Value/оriginality. The value of this study is seen in the comprehensive analysis of healthcare leadership from its evolution, different approaches and styles, their effectiveness to the current challenges and opportunities of healthcare leadership.