The nature and management of rural hospitals: an assessment in the provinces of Llanquihue, Chiloé and Palena (Chile).

Abstract

Eleven hospitals classified as low complexity in Llanquihue Chiloé Palena Health Service were evaluated using components of a management control instrument. This instrument is based in the score of eight items: leadership, users, human resources, strategic planning, process, analysis and information, social agreements and results. These hospitals are underscored in management of clinical process, performance, measure and analysis of organizational performance. By opposition, leadership, users and patients knowledge, education and social agreements are well evaluated. In conclusion, the management evaluation tool is useful for these hospitals. Also it is necessary to extend analysis to other hospitals, with some modification. To improve the evaluation we suggest including clinical management of care, emergency services and supporting technical services (laboratory, imaging and transfers).