The Potential and Outcomes of Clustering in Healthcare ? Expectations of Polish Health Care Providers

In this paper we describe the results of a study conducted in Poland, which aimed at recognizing how clusters are perceived by providers of health services. The most important finding is that the current clustering potential is low, which is determined both by lack of knowledge and will among potential partners to enter the cooperation, as well as by the unfavourable legal environment, as it is perceived by the service providers. At the same time health care stakeholders are aware of the possible benefits, which might be obtained from clustering, mainly in the sphere of service provision and higher health system efficiency, both in the economic and the social dimension. Providers perceive the benefits as relevant for both local communities, and for members of clusters. Based on our findings we recommend the creation of a policy programme to support clusters consisting of legal and tax preferences, to promote cluster initiatives as well as to support for leaders of clustering to overcome a fundamental barrier to the development of cluster initiatives, which are a lack of vital leadership and centres of developing new organisational formulas in healthcare.