Future strategic topics in the business model of hospitals in Austria.

Background: For hospital management in the Austrian healthcare system the challenge of strategic control strongly results due to a growing shortage of resources. This raises the question: What indicators do the current and future prioritized strategic topics in hospital management provide for future priorities in the business model of Austrian hospitals? Method: The methodology included a literature review, an online survey and two expert workshops. The results of the various surveys were discussed with 28 health professionals from the Austrian healthcare system. Results: It becomes clear that the priorities for the current and future strategic topics lie in the personnel, legal regulation and the configuration of the service spectrum. This shows clearly that hospital management in Austria is characterized by pronounced quality orientation. Furthermore, it shows that the topics related to economic efficiency are currently of secondary importance. Conclusions: It becomes clear that the decision makers in Austrian hospitals have the different dimensions of the business model grid in mind, while promoting the development of key performance measurement for the strategic orientation and implementation of inpatient care provision.