title: Improving productive efficiency in hospitals: findings from a review of the international evidence.
abstract: At present, health systems across Europe face the same challenges: a changing demographic profile, a rise in multi-morbidity and long-term conditions, increasing health care costs, large public debts and other legacies of an economic downturn. In light of these concerns, this article provides an overview of the international evidence on how to improve productive efficiency in secondary care settings. Updating and expanding upon a recent review of the literature by Hurst and Williams (2012), we set out evidence on potential interventions in the policy environment, hospital management, and operational processes. We conclude with five key lessons for policy makers and practitioners on how to improve productive efficiency within hospital settings, and identify several gaps in the existing evidence base.
authors: 1Political Science,University College London,London,UK.
authors: Benedict E
authors: BE
authors: Rumbold
authors: 2The Nuffield Trust,London,UK.
authors: Judith A
authors: JA
authors: Smith
authors: 3Independent.
authors: Jeremy
authors: J
authors: Hurst
authors: 4The Health Foundation,London,UK.
authors: Anita
authors: A
authors: Charlesworth
authors: 5Health Sciences,University of Warwick,Coventry,UK.
authors: Aileen
authors: A
authors: Clarke
mesh_terms: D003363:Cost Control; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004465:Economic Competition; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005060:Europe; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement; D010557:Personnel Administration, Hospital; D057766:Policy; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration