Healthcare capacity measurement

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present findings from an action research intervention inrnthe outpatient department of a National Health Service (NHS) Hospital. It investigates the perceivedrnand actual problems of measuring capacity at a UK hospital.rnDesign/methodology/approach - An action research methodology was adopted: relevantrnliterature on capacity measurement and performance was reviewed; the motivation behind itsrnusage explored. Systems requiring improvement were identified and the adoption and implementationrnof new working methods initiated and explored. In addition to considering capacity measurement andrnperformance issues, the authors examined the effects this may have on the long-term potential of thernorganisation.rnFindings - The research identified gaps in the capacity and activity measures used and in therndissemination of performance information. To address these problems and meet the changing needs ofrnthe department a new performance measurement and reporting tool was implemented.rnResearch limitations/implications - The methodology applied was appropriate, generating datarnto facilitate discussion and draw specific conclusions from. A perceived limitation is the single casernapproach, however, Remenyi argues this can be enough to add to the body of knowledge.rnPractical implications - The paper gives details about the introduction of new performancernmeasures and the development of a performance measurement tool for the Outpatient Department ofrnthe Hospital. The conclusions drawn add substantially to previous commentaries, and developrninteresting questions for future research.rnOriginality/value - Specific recommendations for the implementation of a new performance tool forrnhealthcare organisations are made.