The Role of Information and Communication Technology in the Transformation of the Healthcare Business Model: A Case Study of Slovenia

In: Health information management journal, Band 44, Heft 2, S. 20-32

Abstract

Background: The Slovenian healthcare business model (BM) has largely failed to integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) into its operational context, instead maintaining its rigid structure and traditional 'way of doing business'. This situation often results in uncoordinated business operations, while additionally destabilising an already underfinanced healthcare system and compromising the general quality of healthcare. Aim: The aim of this study is to provide an analysis of the BM concept and its implications, and to identify the potential effects of informatisation on the existing healthcare BM in Slovenia. Based on the findings, the paper concludes by presenting a conceptualisation of a transformed healthcare BM adapted to the Slovenian healthcare environment. Method: The study employs a single explanatory/exploratory case study design, while the validation of the hypothesised constructs was undertaken through structured interviews with twelve prominent experts from the Slovenian healthcare system. Interviewees were: healthcare professionals (two general practitioners and two specialists), ICT experts from healthcare (one ICT consultant and three analysts), and healthcare managers (two managers of public healthcare centres and two managers of public clinics). Results: Findings present a roadmap for the redefinition of BM elements and the transformation of the Slovenian healthcare BM. It includes the specific reconfiguration of BM actors and their interactions, and the application of advanced ICT solutions, which could facilitate more effective utilisation of healthcare resources and promote an improved delivery of healthcare services and products. Conclusion: The presented development approach and derived conceptual solution could be transferable to other countries with similar socio-economic characteristics and comparable healthcare systems, subject to certain adjustments and inclusion of national specifics.