... PhD student in Business Administration. Can you tell us about your research?
I focus on service innovation in healthcare, how to change to better and more efficient healthcare processes. I look at different types of innovations and their effects on hospitals and healthcare clinics, for example, how patients and healthcare staff are affected and cost-efficiency. I also look at how we, in research, better can progress in this area of study.
Why is this important?
The importance of restructuring and increasing organizational performance in healthcare has never been more significant. An aging and more diversified population, have together with the current coronavirus pandemic, put Swedish healthcare in an unprecedented situation. In a short time, a massive transformation has taken place where joint resources, together with the frontline staff, have made it possible to maintain world-class healthcare. This transformation has made it clear that it is challenging to manage all governing values while also being able to deliver specialized care to patients and handle the pandemic victims in the most cost-efficient way possible. My research shows that this relationship, where innovation research along with practice, must find a balance and not only focus on single perspectives.
Do you have any results that you would like to share?
Results from an interview study show that there are different types of innovators with various driving forces and goals. Some operate by the active participation and contributing to positive change, while others have more "game-changing" plans for what their innovation process will lead to. This means that the need for support in the innovation process amongst the innovators varies, which innovation hubs and networks should be taken into account.
In another study, the results show, among other things, that different types of innovations are required, part technical but especially more interpersonal, to achieve positive outcomes such as cost-effectiveness, quality of care, and satisfied patients. The results also pronounce that the hospitals and healthcare clinics that involve patients in innovation work have more positive effects such as higher quality of care for the affected patient groups. The results imply that the county-councils cannot have a passive, receptive role when looking for technical innovations from the private sector, but need to have a more active role where organizational and communicative readjustments follow technological innovations. It also means that there are great benefits when involving patients and users in innovation work.
Who can benefit from your research?
Apart from other researchers, people in managerial positions in county councils, as well as private healthcare companies, can benefit from my research as it provides a more holistic understanding of different types of actors' roles, innovations, and effects in innovation work. People who specialize in innovation work and business development within healthcare can also benefit from my research.
Finally, when do you plan to defend your doctoral dissertation?
In October if everything goes according to plan
Good luck!
