PhD defence Ganesh Babu Balu Subburaman

Keywords: Data-based management, Continuous improvement, Internal data, Effective operational practices

"Evidence-Based Management In Eye Hospitals: Drivers, Practices, And Organizational Outcomes"

Hospitals function as complex systems, requiring seamless coordination across departments while managing unpredictable patient conditions, fluctuating demand, and variable service times. With limited healthcare resources, their optimal use is essential to meet population health needs. Every patient encounter generates valuable data, yet not all hospitals document or utilize these data effectively. Data-based management, combined with appropriate managerial actions, can reduce inefficiencies, prevent delays, and enhance quality through proactive, real-time decision-making. This thesis focused on identifying enabling factors for evidence-based management practices. While several known factors were reaffirmed, this research highlighted additional enablers: well-designed systems with feedback loops, continuous improvement processes, adoption of information technology, use of social media (e.g., WhatsApp) for real-time team communication, regulatory frameworks, building teams and a data-valuing culture, access to relevant information, and leadership committed to driving data-informed practices. By aligning these factors and addressing barriers—such as data quality, software limitations, and staff data literacy—hospitals can leverage data to improve operational performance, support decision-making, enhance patient care and outcomes, and achieve sustainable operational excellence.

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