Evaluation of the innovation capacity. A case study in a Colombian health care provider

Abstract

This research provides an evaluation of the innovation capacity in a health care provider (IPS, in Spanish) in Colombia as well as the strategies intended to strengthen and augment it. To do so, a descriptive case study is developed applying a valuation method based on an existing model. This way, a maturity level was determined for the studied capacity. This valuation is built with primary information taken from semi-structured interviews to the directors and administrative staff in the health care provider facilities. This information was compared to the policies, strategies, processes, resources and other secondary information provided by the health care provider itself. The results thus obtained show that the innovation capacity in this IPS is heterogeneous as the dimensions thereof are not uniform, and fluctuate between extreme ends. It is due to the fact that the innovation activities in the IPS are processes requiring some formalization and strengthening. Possibly what they need is an innovation management system that enables to prioritize the problems and focus the efforts in specific action lines.