Background information
A national decision was taken to enable choice of care in specialist care. Sirona was commissioned by a medium-sized county council, which had waited for the introduction of care choice, to analyze the effects of the introduction of care choice in specialized outpatient care in nearby county councils.
Challenge
The assignment consisted of mapping and analyzing the consequences of care choices in specialized outpatient care at several levels. Based on the results, the county council in question then wanted to adapt the strategy and develop the business based on changes in the competitive dynamics for both patients and staff.
Implementation
In this assignment, Sirona conducted analyses of how patient mobility across county council borders has been affected by the introduction of care choices in neighboring county councils. The assignment also included an analysis of how the supply of skills in the county council, in the form of access to specialist doctors and specialist nurses, is affected.
Initially, Sirona conducted a quantitative and qualitative analysis of data from the National Board of Health and Welfare and national waiting time data. Internal cost data was analyzed to identify whether and how patient mobility and access to specialist expertise have changed. Furthermore, an analysis was conducted regarding patients' willingness and propensity to choose a care provider. This included interviews with key persons from several relevant patient associations. The work also included a survey of relevant laws and regulations.
Outcome
The project resulted in a comprehensive analysis and mapping of patient mobility and skills supply, as well as a fact-based basis for further business development in specific areas with identified needs for change. The analysis of patient mobility showed, among other things, that some patient groups perceived care choice as a challenge based on perceived continuity. The work also generated a preparedness basis for the development of a strategy for the county council's own action in the event of potential expansion of care choice in other areas at the neighboring county councils.
