Development dynamics of outsourcing of auxiliary activities among Polish medical entities in the years 2012–2018

Abstract

Introduction: In the face of insufficient resources, healthcare providers are forced to constantly analyse and evaluate the financial economy and, within the economic framework, to rationally reduce the costs of their activities. Outsourcing is one of the ways to rationalise costs in healthcare. It concerns both core and ancillary activities. The aim of this study was to present the dynamics of outsourcing development of auxiliary activities of medical entities in Poland.

Materials and methods: Analysis was based on the results of surveys conducted in 2012, 2014, and 2018. In 2012, 153 medical entities qualified for analysis, 156 in 2014, and 750 in 2018. The number of entities using outsourcing is presented, together with an indication of the type of services covered by outsourcing, reasons for outsourcing, benefits and drawbacks that the entities have noted, including measurement of financial effectiveness of outsourcing, and monitoring of the outsourcing partner.

Results: Medical entities usually outsource waste treatment services, likely due to the difficulty for medical entities to meet the strict requirements set out in the law. The least frequently outsourced service is nutrition, which most likely results from the dissatisfaction of medical entities with the services provided by external companies.

Conclusions: Excessive cost of maintaining employees was a common justification for outsourcing. Financial efficiency is the most desirable effect and the most frequent stimulus for medical entities undertaking various types of activities, including outsourcing in the field of auxiliary activities.