Applying Organization Theory to Understanding the Adoption and Implementation of Accountable Care Organizations: Commentary. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shortell, Stephen M.
• Other Names: Singer Sara J. guest-editor.; Vogus Timothy J. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Medical care research and review. Volume 73:Number 6(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 694
• Page End: 702
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Accountable Care Organizations -- Implementation Science -- Innovations -- Organization Theory; Medical care -- United States -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Research -- Periodicals; Medical economics -- United States -- Periodicals; Medical economics -- Periodicals; 362.10973
• DOI: 10.1177/1077558716643477
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-5587

Abstract

This commentary highights the key arguments and contributions of institutional thoery, transaction cost economics (TCE) theory, high reliability theory, and organizational learning theory to understanding the development and evolution of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Institutional theory and TCE theory primarily emphasize the external influences shaping ACOs while high reliability theory and organizational learning theory underscore the internal fctors influencing ACO perfromance. A framework based on Implementation Science is proposed to conside the multiple perspectives on ACOs and, in particular, their abiity to innovate to achieve desired cost, quality, and population health goals.