Enabling innovative healthcare delivery through the use of the focussed factory model: The case of the spine clinic of the future

This paper discusses the concept of the focussed factory model. We highlight that the focussed factory model combines one of the key generic strategies identified by Michael Porter (1985) and the ideas and concepts from manufacturing. The genesis of this model has its roots in trying to restore the competitive edge for manufacturing in the US. We assert that this model has much benefit for healthcare and, by applying such a model to the structuring of healthcare facilities, we can realise the benefits of this model that have been experienced in manufacturing; namely, we can achieve a competitive edge to healthcare delivery. We illustrate our ideas by presenting the design for a new Spine Clinic in the Netherlands. Copyright © 2005 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.