Potential barriers to the application of multi-factor portfolio analysis in public hospitals: evidence from a pilot study in the Netherlands

M.I. Pavlova*, A. Tsjachristas, G. Vermaeten, W.N.J. Groot

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Portfolio analysis is a business management tool that can assist health care managers to develop new organizational strategies. The application of portfolio analysis to us hospital settings has been frequently reported. In europe however, the application of this technique has received little attention, especially concerning public hospitals. Therefore, this paper examines the peculiarities of portfolio analysis and its applicability to the strategic management of european public hospitals. The analysis is based on a pilot application of a multi-factor portfolio analysis in a dutch university hospital. The nature of portfolio analysis and the steps in a multi-factor portfolio analysis are reviewed along with the characteristics of the research setting. Based on these data, a multi-factor portfolio model is developed and operationalized. The portfolio model is applied in a pilot investigation to analyze the market attractiveness and hospital strengths with regard to the provision of three orthopedic services: knee surgery, hip surgery, and arthroscopy. The pilot portfolio analysis is discussed to draw conclusions about potential barriers to the overall adoption of portfolio analysis in the management of a public hospital.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)43-68
JournalInternational Journal of Health Planning and Management
Volume24
Issue number1
Early online date24 Apr 2008
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Feb 2009

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