Title: Organisational innovations in Catalan hospitals: the case of telemedicine

Authors: Merce Bernardo, Jaume Valls, Pilar Aparicio

Addresses: Facultat d'Economia i Empresa, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 690, 08034 Barcelona, Spain. ' Facultat d'Economia i Empresa, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 690, 08034 Barcelona, Spain. ' Facultat d'Economia i Empresa, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 690, 08034 Barcelona, Spain

Abstract: The aim of this study is to analyse the organisational innovations in hospitals, focusing on telemedicine, as a way to improve organisation|s efficiency and to offer more and better services to its users. The methodology applied is qualitative, analysing the case studies of a sample of 16 Catalan hospitals. Findings show that telemedicine between hospitals has been implemented in the majority of the organisations, with very good results. Alliances have a significant relationship with telemedicine. Telemedicine has impact on different aspects of hospitals management; although some work need to be done, such in telecare development.

Keywords: telemedicine; Catalan hospitals; organisational innovation; alliances; professionals; healthcare technology; Spain; telecare development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2011.040481

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2011 Vol.12 No.3/4, pp.307 - 320

Published online: 28 Mar 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article