Methods to identify determinants of change in healthcare

Determinants of change in healthcare are factors that oppose or enhance improvement in patient care. This chapter presents a range of methods for conducting diagnostic analysis aiming to provide insight into determinants of change. Many methods are mainly used in scientific research, but can also be used in improvement projects. The chapter first describes a variety of methods to collect data and next methods for data analysis and goal setting. It provides an overview of findings of different studies. In exploring this, investigators are normally interested in what might determine change in performance. Most people contributing as subjects to such a data collection process usually have little or no experience of change and report what determines their current performance. In this situation it is then up to the analyst to consider current performance and what might cause it to change. This chapter consistently talks about determinants of change in performance.