Evaluating Service Organization Models: The Relevance and Methodological Challenges of a Configurational Approach.
Based on the example of the evaluation of service organization models, this article shows how a configurational approach overcomes the limits of traditional methods which for the most part have studied the individual components of various models considered independently of one another. These traditional methods have led to results (observed effects) that are difficult to interpret. The configurational approach, in contrast, is based on the hypothesis that effects are associated with a set of internally coherent model features that form various configurations. These configurations, like their effects, are context-dependent. We explore the theoretical basis of the configuration approach in order to emphasize its relevance, and discuss the methodological challenges inherent in the application of this approach through an in-depth analysis of the scientific literature. We also propose methodological solutions to these challenges. We illustrate from an example how a configurational approach has been used to evaluate primary care models. Finally, we begin a discussion on the implications of this new evaluation approach for the scientific and decision-making communities.
École Nationale d'Administration Publique, Groupe de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Santé (GRIS), Canada.
Nassera
N
Touati
Direction Santé Publique Montreal, GRIS, Canada.
Raynald
R
Pineault
Université de Montreal, GRIS, Canada.
François
F
Champagne
Université de Montreal, GRIS, Canada.
Jean-Louis
JL
Denis
Université de Montreal, GRIS, Canada.
Astrid
A
Brousselle
Université de Montreal, GRIS, Canada.
André-Pierre
AP
Contandriopoulos
Public Health Agency of Canada, Canada.
Robert
R
Geneau
Quebec; configuration; primary care; service organization models