The digital transformation in HSSC from the perspective of patient co-creation

Xu, Xiaoqian (2024). The digital transformation in HSSC from the perspective of patient co-creation. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Xu2024PhD_Redacted.pdf
Text - Redacted Version
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (10MB)

Abstract

This study purposed to explore the digital transformation in the healthcare service supply chain (HSSC) from the perspective of patient co-creation with the research question of how digitalization influences co-creation in the healthcare service supply chain. This aligns with literature gaps for service operations and digital healthcare management. First, the current service operation literature needs more clarity on co-creation in service supply chain (SSC). In particular, no literature has introduced or thoroughly explored the form of co-creation in SSC. Second, the study of co-creation literature leaves a significant gap in the study of conditions of co-creation, while the research on conditions of co-creation is vital and in line with the upgraded service concept for integrating resources in service provision. Third, in the field of medical management, with the development of patient-centered care and people's demand for refined medical care, PCC's solutions from the service operation field need to be explored.

To address the problem and fill the gaps in the literature, this study uses case study methodologies with examples from digital orthodontics practice, integrated primary care in internet hospitals, and chronic disease management. The digital development in these three cases has been tremendous in recent years and profoundly requires patient co-creation. To collect data, this study conducts interviews. A total of 45 individuals were interviewed in this study, each lasting between 40 to 70 minutes. The interviewees included doctors, product managers, IT developers, operation managers, nurses, and researchers.

Linking the research gaps, this study has both theoretical and practical contributions. The contributions in theory can be summarized mainly from three aspects. First, this paper proposes to explore and explain three co-creation forms in the service supply chain, which are co-design, co- delivery in SSC from the service providers’ perspective and co-delivery in SSC from customers’ perspective, which helps researchers improve their understanding of SSC and co-creation phenomena. Second, this research creatively proposes a “conditions of co-creation” model and studies the co-creation phenomenon from four aspects: policy and social, patients, suppliers and digitalization. Finally, this research discovers and proposes the promotion of the service operation model of co-creation with digitalization in relation to the progress of medical management, especially PCC. To the practitioner, this research provides a solid theoretical foundation for current and future digital health platforms and operations managers and summarizes the direction for past, present, and future digital health trends. In practice, this research provides a solid theoretical foundation for current and future digital health platforms and operations managers and summarizes the direction for past, present, and future digital health trends.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):