Work

Designing a management model for outsourcing non-clinical services in public hospitals in Iran

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Developing countries are increasingly partnering with non-state actors through contracts to improve healthcare access, efficiency, and quality. This paper explores how to design a model for outsourcing non-clinical services in public hospitals. METHODS: In this study, data were gathered through structured online questionnaires. Participants included health policymakers, outsourcing experts, and public hospital managers. Questionnaire validity (CVI = 0.83, CVR = 0.61) was confirmed by 30 experts, with Cronbach's alpha (0.85) ensuring reliability. Data were analyzed using SPSS, LISREL, and factor analysis. RESULTS: Results showed planning, decision-making, performance management, contracts, communication, and knowledge management significantly impacted healthcare outsourcing. Planning had the strongest effect (β=0.94), while knowledge management had the weakest (β=0.34). CONCLUSIONS: The findings guide hospital managers in optimizing non-clinical outsourcing through strategic planning, performance management, contract oversight, and communication. By focusing on these areas, public hospitals in Iran can enhance operational efficiency and improve patient care quality.

Source: BMC Health Services Research

DOI: 10.1186/s12913-025-13521-y

Authors: Shekoofeh Merati, Amir Ashkan Nasiripour, Leila Riahi, Kamran Hajinabi

Institution: Islamic Azad University, Tehran

Language: English

Topic: Outsourcing and Supply Chain Management

Subfield: Management Information Systems

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290