The efficacy of performance management system in healthcare. A literature review and research perspectives

The aim of this paper is to assess and systemize the antecedents of Performance Management Systems (PMSs) effectiveness, highlighting under which conditions, PMSs are able to produce the expected results in healthcare organizations. Through a literature review by keywords research of the papers on PMSs effectiveness in healthcare, the condition affecting PMSs effectiveness have been summarized. Such conditions refers to PMSs’ architectural elements, organizational context, and implementation approach. Their impact on PMSs effectiveness is measured in terms of their ability in orienting behaviours, and in terms of organizational performance improvement. The results of this literature review highlight how public policies can be implemented with the aim improve the effectiveness of PMS in healthcare through the promotion of both a culture of evaluation among caregivers, and the acceptance of PMS at individual organization level, as well as through the reduction of the knowing-doing gap between management scientists and healthcare professionals.