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1 – 10 of 98Mohsen Jami, Hamidreza Izadbakhsh and Alireza Arshadi Khamseh
This study aims to minimize the cost and time of blood delivery in the whole blood supply chain network (BSCN) in disaster conditions. In other words, integrating all strategic…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to minimize the cost and time of blood delivery in the whole blood supply chain network (BSCN) in disaster conditions. In other words, integrating all strategic, tactical and operational decisions of three levels of blood collection, processing and distribution leads to satisfying the demand at the right time.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposes an integrated BSCN in disaster conditions to consider four categories of facilities, including temporary blood collection centers, field hospitals, main blood processing centers and medical centers, to optimize demand response time appropriately. The proposed model applies the location of all permanent and emergency facilities in three levels: blood collection, processing and distribution. Other essential decisions, including multipurpose facilities, emergency transportation, inventory and allocation, were also used in the model. The LP metric method is applied to solve the proposed bi-objective mathematical model for the BSCN.
Findings
The findings show that this model clarifies its efficiency in the total cost and blood delivery time reduction, which results in a low carbon transmission of the blood supply chain.
Originality/value
The researchers proposed an integrated BSCN in disaster conditions to minimize the cost and time of blood delivery. They considered multipurpose capabilities for facilities (e.g. field hospitals are responsible for the three purposes of blood collection, processing and distribution), and so locating permanent and emergency facilities at three levels of blood collection, processing and distribution, support facilities, emergency transportation and traffic on the route with pollution were used to present a new model.
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Joonhwan In, Randy Bradley, Bogdan C. Bichescu and Sumin Han
This study aims to examine the performance implications of an information governance (IG) framework for managing, controlling access to and securing information, focusing on (1…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the performance implications of an information governance (IG) framework for managing, controlling access to and securing information, focusing on (1) the performance benefits of an organization's IG orientation and (2) how the configuration of IG orientation and supply chain (SC) strategy type relate to performance outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
This study leverages multiple secondary sources for US hospitals, serving as the context for the study. It also employs cluster analysis to develop an SC strategy taxonomy, namely sophisticated and delivery-focused SC strategies. The proposed research model is tested using a robust regression to mitigate the influence of outliers and produce more accurate estimates.
Findings
IG orientation is positively associated with financial performance and patient experience, and IG-oriented hospitals with a sophisticated SC strategy realize more financial benefits and achieve better patient care experiences compared to other configurations. Regardless of SC strategy type, IG-oriented hospitals offer better care experiences than non-IG-oriented hospitals.
Practical implications
This paper offers empirical evidence that a hospital's IG orientation and SC strategy jointly affect financial outcomes and patient experience. For hospitals, an organization-wide framework for governing information streamlines both intra- and inter-organizational information flows and improves care delivery throughout a patient's care experience.
Originality/value
This is one of a few studies that empirically examine the performance implications of governance of information in the domain of supply chain management (SCM). This study also develops an SC strategy taxonomy for the healthcare context and offers a springboard for research in service SC strategy.
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Manpreet Kailay, Kamalpreet Kaur Paposa and Priyanka Chhibber
The present study was designed to explore the major challenges being faced by the Indian nurses' pre-post pandemic period affecting their well-being (WB) and identify factors that…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study was designed to explore the major challenges being faced by the Indian nurses' pre-post pandemic period affecting their well-being (WB) and identify factors that motivated them to perform their service wholeheartedly during the pandemic. The study also tries to bridge the gap in the study area by providing various ways that can help maintain the WB of health care professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive exploratory qualitative design involving semi-structured interviews was conducted during December–January 2021 with 30 nurses from hospitals in Punjab Qualitative and thematic data analysis technique were adopted. In addition, a literature review was also conducted to study the various factors that affect the WB of health care professionals.
Findings
There are various themes and subthemes that were identified by the health care professionals, such as (1) psychological WB, (2) social WB and (3) workplace WB and (4) key motivators. This research work has identified various managerial implications that can play a huge rolein strengthening the healthcare sector of the entire world economy, paving the way toward the better WB of healthcare professionals (HCPs).
Originality/value
Firstly, it is probably the only study that is performed on nursing staff to evaluate their personal experiences during crucial times. It has successfully compared the factors affecting WB pre- and post-pandemic, leading to the emergence of many new factors that have originated due to the pandemic and are the cause of the poor WB of HCPs (Figures 2, 4). Secondly, it is the only study that targeted only those nurses who have provided their services in both scenarios. Finally, the study has been a pioneer in identifying the importance of maintaining the WB of HCPs at hospitals.
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Sobah Abbas Petersen, Tor Åsmund Evjen and John Krogstie
The main aim of this paper is to describe the potential benefits of enterprise building information models (EBIMs) for health-care institutions. The main research question…
Abstract
Purpose
The main aim of this paper is to describe the potential benefits of enterprise building information models (EBIMs) for health-care institutions. The main research question addressed is how data from EBIM could be leveraged to create value for hospitals beyond design, construction and traditional facility management.
Design/methodology/approach
Three different prototypes, which use different technologies in combination with EBIM, are described to illustrate different uses of EBIM within the context of a hospital and health-care operations. The case study approach has been used to present the prototypes.
Findings
EBIM data, in combination with other data sources, increases the potential benefits of the data with respect to many health-care-related processes, during the operation of a health-care institution. The benefits of EBIM span beyond the design and construction life cycle phases of a hospital and provide value to a variety of stakeholders in multiple health-care-related processes.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this work is the limited sources of data and information such as the specific methods that were used in the design and development of each of the prototypes and a deeper insight into the design rationale and decisions. Another limitation of this paper is that the findings have not been validated.
Practical implications
This study demonstrates the value of convergence of a number of technologies such as EBIM, data and different types of technologies, throughout the life cycle of a building. This study also highlights the value of building information models (BIMs) data for supporting the design of novel educational and other types of application areas. The practical implications include the value for multiple stakeholders, such as resources planning, fleet and equipment management and contract negotiation. Benefits identified for resource planning can have strategic and financial implications at the management level. For patients, visitors and health-care personnel, there may be reduced infections, cleaner and pleasant facilities as well as a reduction of time to find relevant resources.
Social implications
Social implications" could be replaced by "For patients, visitors and health-care personnel, there may be cleaner and pleasant facilities and easy navigation support through the hospital. Furthermore, enhanced access to knowledge and information about the artefact and assets in the hospital can enhance learning and knowledge sharing.
Originality/value
This study identifies the lack of research in using BIM with other data for value-added services for multiple stakeholders in the operations phase of a hospital and addresses that research gap.
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Barrie Green and Jake Stanworth
This paper aims to critically compare the impact and preparedness for practice of two types of mental health nurse training in the UK. One being a hospital-based apprenticeship…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to critically compare the impact and preparedness for practice of two types of mental health nurse training in the UK. One being a hospital-based apprenticeship model from the 1980s; the other a university-based and more academically focussed approach from this millennium.
Design/methodology/approach
This autoethnographic reflective commentary describes and reviews the effectiveness of two training curricula for Registered Mental Nurse (RMN) training. The first being the certificate-level 1983 syllabus of the UK Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting, which was replaced in the late 1990s by diploma and degree-level Project 2000 training of the General Nursing Council. Using a reflective narrative approach to describe the lived experience of two qualified nurses, it compares, reviews and critiques both initiatives.
Findings
The author/researchers found both benefits and negatives inherent in each model. These were grouped into five key headings, which are a sense of belonging/identity; exposure to clinical practice; differences in training modality; development of clinical management skills and clinical preparedness; and academic merit. The older curriculum lacked an academic or research base, whereas the more recent approach encouraged and enhanced this element. However, with regard to preparing the clinician/registered nurse to feel confident in addressing a range of clinical and managerial challenges, the older style training seems to deliver better outcomes. They conclude that a move towards a “middle ground” between the two models may be of benefit to future RMN preparation.
Research limitations/implications
This study reports on the experience of two registered nurses. Therefore, the sample size is small. However, autoethnography is acknowledged as an effective means of delivering qualitative research; in addition, the authors access and use material from the wider literature to triangulate and critique their approach. This paper adds to the literature but also allows for duplication by others to further test the findings.
Practical implications
This type of study provides an opportunity for others to review, compare and contrast nursing or other multi-discipline changes in training/curriculum. The research method is one that is transferable and can be used within areas of practice, which have resource limitations. It provides an opportunity to replicate it in other services or jurisdictions.
Social implications
Nursing in the UK has experienced significant change over the past four decades. For RMNs, the move from hospitals into the community has been transformational. In addition, the influence of higher academic standards and the influence of the recent pandemic have challenged the profession and individuals within it. This study demonstrates positive and negative elements of the dilemma faced by nurses and offers a further contribution to this area.
Originality/value
There are a number of academic papers, media stories, statutory reports and guidance that explore the impact of changes within nurse training. This paper uses a first person autoethnographic study of the impact and effectiveness of these changes at a human level, the nurse on the ground. It uses the ward medicine keys as the vehicle to represent the huge responsibility that newly qualified nurses must face; this is not widely represented elsewhere in the literature!
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Mengqiu Guo, Minhao Gu and Baofeng Huo
Due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, increasing the use of AI in healthcare is critical, but few studies have explored the extent to which…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, increasing the use of AI in healthcare is critical, but few studies have explored the extent to which physicians cooperate with AI in their work to achieve productive and innovative performance, which is a key issue in operations management (OM). We conducted empirical research to answer this question.
Design/methodology/approach
We developed a conceptual model based on the ambidextrous perspective. To test our model, we collected data from 200 Chinese hospitals. One senior and one junior physician from each hospital participated in this research so that we could get a more comprehensive view. Based on the sample of 400 participants and the conceptual model, we examined whether different types of AI use have distinct impacts on physicians’ productivity and innovation by conducting hierarchical regression and post hoc tests. We also introduced team psychological safety climate (TPSC) and AI technology uncertainty (AITU) as moderators to investigate this topic in further detail.
Findings
We found that augmentation AI use is positively related to overall productivity and innovative job performance, while automation AI use is negatively related to these two outcomes. Furthermore, we focused on the impacts of the ambidextrous use of AI on these two outcomes. The results highlight the positive impacts of complementary use on both outcomes and the negative impact of balance on innovative job performance. TPSC enhances the positive impacts of complementary use on productivity, whereas AITU inhibits the negative impacts of automation and balanced use on innovative job performance.
Originality/value
In the age of AI, organizations face greater trade-offs between performance and technology management. This study contributes to the OM literature from the perspectives of operational performance and technology management in three ways. First, it distinguishes among different AI implementations and their diverse impacts on productivity and innovative performance. Second, it identifies the different conditions under which automation AI use and augmentation are superior. Third, it extends the ambidextrous perspective by becoming an early adopter of this approach to explore the implications of different types of AI use in light of contingency factors.
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Manoj Krishnan and Satish Krishnan
The study aims to drive conceptual clarity around resistance to information technology projects, integrating multiple facets of the phenomenon from earlier studies.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to drive conceptual clarity around resistance to information technology projects, integrating multiple facets of the phenomenon from earlier studies.
Design/methodology/approach
The study conducts a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on resistance to technology projects; it analyzes those studies at a case-specific level, compares and contrasts emergent concepts against each other, and “translates” those to the rest of the studies. The study uses the seven-step meta-ethnography method by Noblit and Hare to reciprocally translate emergent concepts to construct the conceptual model.
Findings
Through meta-synthesis, the study derives a new conceptual model for resistance to information technology projects, exemplifying how the identified antecedents create user resistance and how the phenomenon progresses within organizations.
Research limitations/implications
This study enriches the observations and conclusions of past individual studies while explicating various facets of the mechanisms that generate and progress technology resistance within organizations. It offers fresh insights into the equivocal nature of the phenomenon and the distinctive ways it progresses from individual to group level.
Practical implications
Many ambitious and costly digital transformation efforts do not succeed due to user resistance. Understanding the mechanisms that create user resistance can help organizations manage technology projects better, thereby reducing the technology assimilation gap and protecting returns on related investments.
Originality/value
There have been extensive studies on technology acceptance (enablers) within organizations, while those relating to technology inhibitors are somewhat limited. However, the symmetry of understanding between enablers and inhibitors is vital for organizations to assimilate promising technologies and transform their business models. This model uses a new lens of sensemaking theory to explain how the antecedents trigger perceived threats and resistance behavior; it highlights the nuances around the development of resistance within individuals and its progression to groups. The resultant model offers better generalizability in organizational contexts.
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Alessandra Da Ros, Francesca Pennucci and Sabina De Rosis
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare systems, presenting unforeseen challenges that necessitated the implementation of change management…
Abstract
Purpose
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare systems, presenting unforeseen challenges that necessitated the implementation of change management strategies to adapt to the new contextual conditions. This study aims to analyze organizational changes within the total hip replacement (THR) surgery pathway at multiple levels, including macro, meso and micro. It employs data triangulation from various sources to gauge the complexity of the change process and comprehend how multi-level decision-making influenced an unexpected shift.
Design/methodology/approach
A multicentric, single in-depth case study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach. Data sources included patient-reported outcome measures specific to the THR pathway and carefully structured in-depth interviews administered to managers and clinicians in two healthcare organizations serving the same population.
Findings
Decisions made at the macro level resulted in an overall reduction in surgical activities. Organizational changes at the meso level led to a complete cessation or partial reorganization of activities. Micro-level actions for change and adaptation revealed diverse and fragmented change management strategies.
Practical implications
Organizations with segmented structures may require a robust and structured department for coordinating change management responses to prevent the entire system from becoming stuck in the absorptive phase of change. However, it is important to recognize that absorptive solutions can serve as a starting point for genuine innovations in change management.
Originality/value
The utilization of data triangulation enables the authors to visualize how specific changes implemented in response to the pandemic have influenced the observed outcomes. From a managerial perspective, it provides insights into how future innovations could be introduced.
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Sarandis Mitropoulos, Christos Mitsis, Petros Valacheas and Christos Douligeris
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the way technology affects the provision of prehospital emergency care, upgrading the quality of services offered and significantly…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the way technology affects the provision of prehospital emergency care, upgrading the quality of services offered and significantly reducing the risk of premature termination of the patients.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents the development of the eEKAB, a pilot emergency medical information system that simulates the main services offered by the Greek National Instant Aid Centre (EKAB). The eEKAB was developed on an agile system methodology. From a technical perspective, the features and the technology were mainly chosen to provide reliable and user-friendly interfaces that will attract many users. eEKAB is based on three important pillars for offering health care to the patients: the “On-time Incident Reporting”, the “On-time Arrival at the Incident” and “Transfer to the Health Center”. According to the literature review, the emergency medical services (EMS) systems that combine all the features are very few.
Findings
It reduces the total time of the EMS procedures and it allows for an easier management of EMS, by providing a better allocation of human resources and a better geographical distribution of ambulances. The evaluation displayed that it is a very helpful application for the ambulance drivers as it reduces the ambulance response time to arrive in the patient's location and contributes significantly to the general performance of the prehospital medical care system. Also, the survey verified the importance of implementing eEKAB on a larger scale beyond the pilot usage. It is worth mentioning that the younger ambulance drivers had a more positive view for the purpose of the application.
Research limitations/implications
The paper clearly identifies implications for further research. Regarding interoperability, the mobile app cooperates with the Operational Center of EKAB, while further collaboration could be achieved with other operational ambulance handling center, mainly, of the private sector. The system can evolve to include better communications among the EKAB departments. Particularly, the ambulance crew as well as the doctors should be informed with more incident features such as the emergency signal so that they know whether to open the siren, the patient's name, etc. The authors are currently working on implementing some features to provide effective medical health services to the patient in the ambulance.
Practical implications
eEKAB will have very significant implications in case of its enforcement, such as the reduction of the total time of EMS procedures with a corresponding reduction of the operating costs of an accident management system and an ambulance fleet handling system while in parallel informing in time the doctors/clinics. It will provide better distribution of ambulances as well as of total human resources. It will greatly assist ambulance drivers, while reducing ambulance response time to reach the patient's location. In other words, the authors will have a better performance of the whole prehospital care system.
Social implications
Providing emergency care before the hospital is of great importance for upgrading the quality of health services provided at the accident site, thus significantly reducing the risk of premature death of patients. This in itself has a significant social implication.
Originality/value
The paper demonstrates a solid understanding in the field of the EMS systems and the corresponding medical services offered. It proposes the development of an effective, feasible and innovative EMS information system that will improve the existing emergency health care system in Greece (EKAB). An in depth literature review and presentation of the adopted new technologies and the respective architecture take place. An evaluation and statistical validation were conducted for proving the high applicability of eEKAB in case of real-life running.
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Jameela Mukhaimer, Maha Omar Mihdawi, Rana Al-Ghatam, Fairouz Alhourani and Francis Opinion
This study sought to understand the physical, educational and operational needs faced by healthcare workers (HCWs) (including physicians, nurses and allied health workers) during…
Abstract
Purpose
This study sought to understand the physical, educational and operational needs faced by healthcare workers (HCWs) (including physicians, nurses and allied health workers) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive cross-sectional design was undertaken. HCWs working in hospitals, health centers, testing and quarantine areas in the Kingdom of Bahrain were invited to complete the online survey questionnaire developed by authors containing three domains: physical, educational, and perceived knowledge, and operational needs.
Findings
A convenient sample (N = 627) of volunteered participants responded to the online survey. The biggest challenges that HCWs were exposed to are physical needs (experiencing dry hands, difficulty breathing while on a mask, feeling hot and sweaty, and less fluid and food intake) which were reported as the higher level, followed by operational needs (limited communication due to Personal Protective Equipment - PPE - use, longer working hours, and preparation time to get ready for duty). Other challenges pertained to education and knowledge (the presence of multiple sources of information confused them during the care practices). Females faced more challenges than males, and Bahraini HCWs handled challenges more than non-Bahrainis. A negative relationship was found between age and years of experience with the challenges of the HCWs.
Originality/value
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems face rapidly increasing demands. HCWs face several challenges while providing patient care, particularly physical needs. This study provides adequate data for healthcare administrators to maintain a safe working environment during pandemics.
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