Operating Model Guiding Principles

Delivering on this vision requires a refocused operating model consisting of refreshed organisation structures, processes and governance. We have defined a set of target principles to underpin the design for the target operating model. These target operating principles describe the way Knowledge & Information delivery in the future will be conducted. They are intended to set the tone for why we need to embark on a transformation programme within the function itself and how it operates with other healthcare stakeholder groups. More specific, measurable targets for the programme implementation will be defined as part of the detailed planning for the implementation. The Knowledge & Information guiding principles are:

• We will work as one effective organisation: To deliver mutual outcomes and benefits by aligning the objectives of the Knowledge & Information function with those of care delivery to deliver integrated healthcare to patients, but also by eradicating existing silos to operate as one coherent team of technology professionals.  The operating model outlines how we will collaborate with the rest of the Health Service so that service needs are clearly understood and responded to by Knowledge & Information.  The service itself must be facilitated to articulate these needs and take responsibility for realising the benefit
• We deliver to our commitments: We will have access to resources and skills to satisfy the demand for technology enablement, with predictable delivery, clear commitments and strong governance
• We provide innovation & value: We will proactively seek to harness the technology innovation in Ireland and beyond to create new healthcare services and realise patient benefits, and support more efficient delivery of existing services.  The HSE has a unique opportunity to learn from international, national and local experience and the leading practices extolled by the extensive local ecosystem of leading digital companies. In addition, we as a function will demonstrate value for money to our internal stakeholders by providing a responsive, agile, cost efficient delivery of capabilities, supported by transparent measurement of performance.  A focus on fostering innovative solutions from small teams can rapidly demonstrate the value that can be delivered from eHealth
• We support effective risk and security management: We will provide a flexible working environment underpinned by integrated information, taking advantage of mobile technologies. We will focus on effective risk and information security management to do this in a safe and secure manner
• We foster a great place to work: We will provide a clear shared vision and strong leadership culture to help restore Knowledge & Information professionals with pride in their work. We will equip the workforce with relevant skills and provide meaningful and interesting career development opportunities with healthcare technology.

Knowledge & Information Operating Model

This vision for the target operating model was created based on an assessment of current capabilities, an understanding of care delivery priorities to be implemented and a view of leading practice adopted by similarly sized organisations.

1. The vertical, ‘function-specific’ dimension (highlighted in Figure 9): focused on quality, consistency and standardisation of methods and practices, and realising cross-organisational synergiesThe operating model is based on a matrix structure, the rationale of which can be explained in two dimensions:
2. The horizontal ‘care delivery aligned’ dimension (highlighted in Figure 10): focused on alignment with, and delivery to health service requirements, and providing end-to-end delivery accountability

These dimensions are further elaborated as part of the description below.

Significant investment will be required to eradicate existing silos and transform technology delivery into an agile, digitally focused Knowledge & Information function that can drive both structured delivery while continuing to preserve the strong culture of local innovation that exists within the HSE. 

This strategy represents a renewed vision for technology enabled healthcare and the operating model is a renewed approach to deliver upon that vision.   

Figure 9 -  Functional Centric Approach

• Managed across divisions enabling cross functional prioritisation and breaking siloed approach
• People centric approach pools common skills and managed to drive professionalisation and specialisation
• Drives standardised methods and consistency of approach supported by unified quality management

Figure 10 -  Care Delivery centric approach

• Drives alignment between care delivery priorities and technology investments and resource prioritisation
• Drives clearer and stronger end to end accountability for the successful delivery of benefits to the business
• This end to end accountability incentivises pragmatic balancing of resources across change and service delivery
• Provides a clear single voice for K&I, and an escalation point and partner for business leadership