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Defining Health Management: A Conceptual Foundation for Excellence Through Efficiency, Sustainability and Equity

Author

Listed:
  • George Valiotis
  • Sandra C. Buttigieg
  • Americo Cicchetti
  • Rui Dang
  • Nabil Jamshed
  • Marija Jevtic
  • Teresa Magalhães
  • Henk Nies
  • Mangfred Pferzinger
  • Rui Santana
  • Tiago Correia
  • Emmi Weller
  • Laura Cande
  • Zachary Desson
  • Federica Margheri

Abstract

The practice of healthcare management is essential for the efficient operation of health services, encompassing leadership, management, and direction within healthcare organisations. ‘Health management’ extends beyond healthcare management by integrating principles of public health and health policy. As health management is commonly practised but not cohesively recognised, the European Health Management Association (EHMA) conducted this study to develop a cohesive definition of health management. Developed through a qualitative methodology comprising focus group discussions and validation through quantitative expert interviews, this study proposed a holistic definition of health management, incorporating social, environmental and economic determinants of health, cross‐sector collaboration, and the ‘One Health’ approach. The publication of this unified definition has important implications for professional training, policy development, and health outcomes. It provides a foundational framework for curricula, informs precise policy formulation, and promotes excellence through health service delivery that reflects efficiency, sustainability, and equity.

Suggested Citation

  • George Valiotis & Sandra C. Buttigieg & Americo Cicchetti & Rui Dang & Nabil Jamshed & Marija Jevtic & Teresa Magalhães & Henk Nies & Mangfred Pferzinger & Rui Santana & Tiago Correia & Emmi Weller & , 2025. "Defining Health Management: A Conceptual Foundation for Excellence Through Efficiency, Sustainability and Equity," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(3), pages 788-793, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijhplm:v:40:y:2025:i:3:p:788-793
    DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3903
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hennink, Monique & Kaiser, Bonnie N., 2022. "Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research: A systematic review of empirical tests," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
    2. Davis, Peter & Milne, Barry & Parker, Karl & Hider, Phil & Lay-Yee, Roy & Cumming, Jackie & Graham, Patrick, 2013. "Efficiency, effectiveness, equity (E3). Evaluating hospital performance in three dimensions," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 112(1), pages 19-27.
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    Cited by:

    1. Federico Cosenz, 2026. "Relevance of Management Science in the One Health Paradigm," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(1), pages 282-286, January.
    2. Chukwuka Lucia Ogechukwu & Fatile Jacob Olufemi & Hunga Victoria Opeyemi, 2026. "Public Policy and Public Health Management System in Amuwo-Odofin Primary Health Care, Festac, Lagos, Nigeria," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 13(15), pages 1189-1205, January.

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