Management challenges for future digitalization of healthcare services

Camilla Gjellebæk,Ann Svensson,Catharina Bjørkquist,Nina Fladeby,Kerstin Grundén

doi:10.1016/j.futures.2020.102636

Camilla Gjellebæk, Ann Svensson + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2020.102636

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Journal: Futures	Publication Date: Sep 12, 2020
Citations: 48	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: University West, Østfold University College

Abstract

eHealth is considered a solution to current challenges in healthcare. However, its use is not very well developed, and its potential has been little exploited. There are many reasons for the limited diffusion of eHealth. Knowledge, opportunities for training and collaborative activities are examples of factors that influence diffusion. Managerial responsibility is decisive in transforming healthcare. This paper aims at exploring middle management strategies that can facilitate workplace learning when introducing eHealth and new ways of providing healthcare. Introduction of eHealth will imply new and innovative working processes, where both employees and managers need to be aware that their work will change fundamentally, from routine work to work that involves learning, skills development and continuous changes in work practice. This study takes a qualitative approach by analysing data collected through focus group interviews. The findings indicate a necessity for a shift towards learning-oriented leadership and adaptive management that emphasizes employee involvement and opportunities for learning. Helping employees make sense of the complexities associated with continuously changing work practices is another identified middle management strategy. Scenario planning and backcasting stand out as suitable tools for sensemaking in complex organizations and as techniques that can promote workplace learning.

Highlights

Transformations in healthcare towards digitalization and increased use of eHealth are considered a solution to current societal challenges (Lindberg, Lindberg, & Soderberg, 2017)
Positioned on a level close to everyday work practice, middle managers are crucial in facilitating work and learning at the workplace (Hartviksen et al, 2019), as well as in articulating tactics to achieve strategies decided by the top management (Salih & Doll, 2013)
The aim of this paper is to explore middle managers’ strategies that can facilitate workplace learning when introducing eHealth and new ways of providing healthcare services in line with the strategies of the organizations

Summary

Introduction

Transformations in healthcare towards digitalization and increased use of eHealth are considered a solution to current societal challenges (Lindberg, Lindberg, & Soderberg, 2017). Demographic changes resulting in a mismatch between the numbers of people in need of healthcare and the resources available to meet those needs, more people living with chronic diseases and growing healthcare costs are some of the challenges necessitating transformation in healthcare (Johansen & van den Bosch, 2017; Kroezen, van Hoegaerden, & Batenburg, 2018). Factors such as experience, skills, training and knowledge, expectations of the technology and its use, power re lations and existing technology are other elements that may limit the use of eHealth (Cresswell & Sheik, 2013; Orlikowski, 2000). We will apply theory that adopts a general approach to the term man agement as well as theory that focuses on middle managers

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