Challenges in healthcare delivery in an economic downturn, in the Republic of Ireland.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the present study was to discuss some of effects of the downturn in the Irish economy and to demonstrate that in the face of economic difficulties innovation in health care is still occurring.


BACKGROUND
Staff that are managing and delivering healthcare need to know the challenges facing them and have an awareness of the importance of maintaining interest in innovative practice in turbulent times.


RESULTS
Information obtained from several sources including government papers, the nursing regulatory board and quality authority documents and current best practice articles. Information was evaluated based on the study's aim.


RESULTS
Issues emerging were that current challenges facing Irish health care delivery relate mainly to economic, clinical management, education and information technology factors and further reductions in the cost base of health care delivery remains focused on value for money.


CONCLUSIONS
In the face of the economic downturn Ireland is achieving health targets and is now sitting in 13th place on the European health index, down from number 28 in 2008. This improvement in position has resulted from several new innovative work practices.


CONCLUSIONS
As a result of cost reduction measures in place nurse managers will face greater challenges than ever before in meeting the objectives of the healthcare transformation programme.
Carney
Marie
M
School of Nursing, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland. mariecarney@rcsi.ie
D019985:Benchmarking; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D057172:Economic Recession / Q000639:trends*; D004526:Efficiency; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D007857:Leadership; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D009729:Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends