The case for better business in health services

Posted 14 Feb 2022

Business cases are commonly developed and assessed in local health services across Australia.

They provide opportunities for front-line clinicians to contribute their knowledge to improving the delivery of care and can be used to support proposed revisions in health service provision in response to changes in local demand for health care.

However, little research has been undertaken to describe processes for the optimal development of business cases and decision-making in local health services.

Through funding from a Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant, a new study at Flinders will provide important insights for improving the use of business cases, and has the potential for significant advancements in the development and funding of strategies to improve local health care services.

Flinders University Researcher and Chief Investigator, Dr Tim Schultz, said his research project would begin with a qualitative study to document the perspectives and experiences of business case users in two local health networks (Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, and the NSW Mid-North Coast Local Health District).

“Business cases are commonly developed and assessed in local health services across Australia. The lack of research on the use of business cases in Australia is a significant gap. To start to address this gap, a common understanding of different stakeholders’ views on the current use of business cases and on options for improving the use of business cases is required,” Dr Schultz said.

“This research will inform best practice in business cases for applicants and also for hospital executives/decision makers that should lead to better processes and outcomes for business case users.”


Research category: Clinical

Project title: Improving the use of business cases in local health services across Australia

Lead researcher: Tim Schultz

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