Book Review: Interim Management in Healthcare – A Transformation Story

Introduction to Book Review – Interim management in Healthcare

In the compelling book ‘De Ingreep’ by Peter Bennemeer, readers are given a rare insight into the transformative power of interim management in an unconventional setting: a hospital group in Holland. This review unpacks how Bennemeer, an industry outsider with roots in the food sector, applied his acumen to the healthcare industry, leading a comprehensive transformation that not only revamped operational efficiencies but also significantly improved patient care. His journey underscores the versatility and effectiveness of interim executives in driving substantial change, even in environments as complex as healthcare. This narrative serves as a profound reminder of the strategic depth interim managers bring to the table, transcending industry boundaries to deliver unparalleled results.

From challenge to transformation in interim management

An interesting book for those that want to understand how an ex-ceo of the Food Industry,  took on the challenge to lead the transformation of a Hospital Group in Holland together with the medical staff. Here’s a few ways how interim management makes a difference:

• Complete transformation: the total transformation of the internal working of a hospital
• Improve customer care: Not only led to improved economics, but more importantly resulted in better care for patients

Industry ‘outsider’ for interim management

A compelling story of how a highly skilled senior ‘industry outsider’ manages to completely change the way of working in healthcare and the internal dynamics of a hospital.  Not by applying rocket science, but by:

• Using common sense, listening and engaging  people
• Questioning existing ways of working
• As a leader creating frameworks and boundaries for success
• And this of course powered by passion and persistence!

These views often overlooked, that some of the most simple business and human touches can have a great impact to transform industries and businesses.

More interestingly as many of us would believe at first that there could not be a bigger difference between corporate FMCG world and the complex dynamics of healthcare economics in a hospital environment.

Stefan Orlent, Partner BrainTower

This quote draws attention to the seemingly vast divide between the corporate Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector and the intricacies of healthcare economics within a hospital setting. At first glance, the structured, profit-driven motives of the FMCG industry appear diametrically opposed to the patient-centered, welfare-oriented nature of healthcare. However, the principles of efficient operations management, cost optimization, and strategic planning are universally applicable and can bring transformative benefits to any sector. By comparing these two fields, we see that despite their distinct focuses, the underlying need for innovative leadership and systemic efficiency holds true. This perspective challenges the initial belief in their disparity and opens up a discussion about the transferability of skills and strategies across different industries, emphasizing the potential for cross-sector learning and improvement.

Organizations approach to business

As Peter Bennemeer puts it:

Organizations should not doubt to copy successful examples and approaches from elsewhere  – of course adapting them to the new contexts.  A lot of the design principles that were used during this transformational journey, were directly copied out of business life and – where relevant – adjusted to the situation.

Conclusions on De Ingreep book review

At BrainTower we help organizations to flex.  We are a firm believer that copying successful examples and approaches from one industry to another environment definitely will bring new insights, challenge the status quo and make your organization stand out versus your competition.  Our access to highly skilled senior interim executives will help your organization to thrive versus your peers. Do get in contact to find out more.