For this volume, The Contributions of Health Care Management to Grand Health Care Challenges, we define health care management as the planning, direction, and coordination of health services and the management of health care professionals. Included chapters consider five grand challenges facing the health care sector: (1) caring for vulnerable populations; (2) maintaining the health care workforce; (3) translating innovation into practice; (4) sustaining organizations; and (5) navigating pandemics. Each challenge is discussed in its own section and addressed by two chapters that offer different perspectives and approaches to the challenge. Across chapters a variety of methodologies are used including ethnographic case studies, survey data analysis, interviews, literature review, and informed commentary. Together, the chapters in this volume synthesize current information in the field, direct future research efforts, and generate actionable insights for managers and policymakers.
Jennifer L. Hefner is an Associate Professor in the Division of Health Management and Policy, The Ohio State University. Her research focuses on applying management and organizational theories to the study of health care transformation.
Ingrid M. Nembhard is the Fishman Family President's Distinguished Associate Professor of Health Care Management at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on how characteristics of health care organizations, their leaders, and staff contribute to their ability to implement new practices, engage in continuous organizational learning, and ultimately improve quality of care.