Factors influencing decision making for healthcare services outsourcing: A review and Delphi study

Abstract

Background: Outsourcing is considered as one of the tools for organizational development and promotion of productivity by managers. In recent years, outsourcing of healthcare services has become significant. The aim of this study was to identify the most important factors influencing the decision making of outsourcing healthcare services. Methods: This study is a combined study. First, the literature was examined to identify the factors influencing decision making for outsourcing. Then, with the aim of consensus on the most important factors affecting the decision making of outsourcing in health services, the panel of experts and Delphi technique were used. Sampling was purposeful. Results: In the selected articles, a total of 180 factors were extracted. The members of the panel of experts from these 180 factors selected 29 sub-factors in the form of six main factors: strategy, quality, management, technology, performance feature, and economy, as the most important factors affecting the outsourcing of services. Finally, the results of Delphi showed that 22 sub-factors were more important in outsourcing decision making at healthcare services. Conclusion: The study showed that the decision making to outsource health services is a complex and multi-criteria decision. Therefore, when deciding to outsource healthcare services, attention should be paid to various factors, such as strategy, quality, management, technology, and economics.

Construct validation: coping with HIV/AIDS in Primary Health Care

“…The Bartlett's Test of Sphericity also serves to test whether or not questionnaire variables are correlated to the target population for which the tested tool is intended. Thus, it is indicated if the factorial model is adequate (15) .…”

“…In the correlation matrix, it is recommended that only items with coefficients equal to or greater than 0.4 remain in the scale. Scree plot items have to be considered all above 1, with a variance of at least 60.0% (15) . The model predicted by EFA was adjusted by FCA, as it allows the correction of the exploratory model, and leads to a greater certainty of hypotheses (12) .…”

“…The factorial solution was able to explain the theoretical model, since it has items that correlate with each other, evaluating the HIV/AIDS epidemic control in the PHC, with fewer possible variables. They carry an accumulated amount of variance at 88.50%, above the set value of 60.0% (15) .…”

Factors influencing decision making for implementing e-health in light of the COVID-19 outbreak in Gulf Cooperation Council countries

“…Using a systematic review, 29 subfactors affecting decision making on e-health-related services were identified under four main factors: strategic, quality, management and technological. 2 In contrast, influencing factors were analysed based on their priority among healthcare professionals, health information professionals and managers, who identified that service-related factors were preferred by healthcare professionals while operational factors were preferred by managers. 19 However, these studies have undermined the influence of sociocultural and demographic factors, such as population demographics, religion, social norms and lifestyles, 20 , 21 which may also influence decision making on e-health.…”

“…1 However, the complexity of healthcare infrastructure, the competitive economy of healthcare operations and services and the need to deliver high-quality services can lead to continuous development and reengineering of healthcare operations, strategies, goals and managerial approaches. 2 The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has strained the healthcare systems in many countries, affecting individuals suffering from other diseases due to the limitations in healthcare resources, finance and operations management. 3–5 In addition, the confirmed COVID-19 cases have been steadily increasing since it emerged in China in December 2019.…”