A study of the effects of innovative and efficient practices on the performance of hospice care organizations

Background: Due to changes in social norms, funding initiatives, and other environmental factors, the business of hospice care has significantly evolved over the past 40 years. There has been an influx of for-profit firms, increased consolidation, and significant funding changes. We have witnessed a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health care management review 2007-10, Vol.32 (4), p.352-359
Main Authors: Kirby, Eric G., Keeffe, Michael J., Nicols, Kay M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Business process reengineering
California
Efficiency, Organizational
Funding
Health Care Sector - organization & administration
Health Care Sector - trends
Health Care Surveys
Hospice care
Hospices - organization & administration
Hospices - standards
Hospices - trends
Humans
Innovations
Operations Research
Organization development
Organizational Culture
Organizational Innovation
Palliative Care
Quality of care
Quality of Health Care - organization & administration
Quality of Health Care - trends
Regression Analysis
Social Change
Social Environment
Studies
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Summary:Background: Due to changes in social norms, funding initiatives, and other environmental factors, the business of hospice care has significantly evolved over the past 40 years. There has been an influx of for-profit firms, increased consolidation, and significant funding changes. We have witnessed a growth in utilization rates, an increase in insurance coverage, and improved governmental funding. Hospice care organizations have responded to these pressures by pursuing more efficient and innovative business practices. Purpose: Drawing upon institutional theory, this study seeks to address whether quality of care provided to hospice patients is affected as organizations respond to environmental pressures for innovative and efficient business practices. Methodology/Approach: This study uses hierarchical regression to analyze data from 111 hospices in California. Findings: Innovative practices are positively related to quality of care. However, efficient practices have no significant relationship with quality of care. Practical Implications: It appears that incorporating innovative practices is positively related to quality of care. Although cost containment may be necessary for continued survival, efficiency improvement efforts do not seem to lead to improved quality of care.
ISSN:0361-6274
1550-5030
DOI:10.1097/01.HMR.0000296784.52589.1d