Outsourcing In Jordanian Hospitals

Abstract

Outsourcing in the healthcare system has been continuously extended and reached a significant financial size in developing countries’ healthcare systems such as Jordan. The primary aims of this study were to explore the current status of outsourcing adoption in Jordanian hospitals including the extent, reasons, advantages, disadvantages, barriers of currently outsourced services, and to identify the general perception of Jordanian hospital managers regarding the benefits, risks, and barriers for outsourcing. 83 hospitals (29 public hospitals, 2 university hospitals, and 49 private hospitals) were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. Sampling was not taken in order to reach the universe as a whole. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. The results showed that all hospitals outsource one or more services. The waste disposal was the most outsourced service (n=79; 95%). The managers indicated that the currently outsourced services contributed positively in hospitals works mainly in decreasing the workforce (n=65; 78%), and contributed negatively mainly in the loss of privacy and confidentiality (n=34; 41). The primary challenge of the currently outsourcing processes was political interference (n=61, 73%). The most frequently used strategy for monitoring was the regular meetings with the supplier (n=61; 73%). The results showed that the managers strongly agree or agree (at least 76% of them) with the general benefits of outsourcing, and strongly agree or agree (6%-32% of them) with the general risks of outsourcing. The results concluded that outsourcing is widely adopted for both medical and supportive services, and it is perceived as a strategic advantage in Jordanian hospitals. Qualitative studies and financial analysis were recommended to be performed in order to complete the full picture of outsourcing process in Jordan.