[Integrated social value generated in a specialized hospital for chronic patients].

Abstract

Introduction: Measuring social value has always been a challenge for organizations that generate such value, including foundations, NGOs, social enterprises, and governmental entities. Often, the benefits of these initiatives are perceived as intangible or long-term, making them difficult to quantify. Assessing social value demonstrates the impact of investments and accountability to stakeholders.Healthcare organizations should be evaluated from a broad perspective, where the quality of healthcare services is an integral part of the social value with multiple beneficiaries.This study aims to determine the economic and social impact of Hospital Santa Marina on the Bizkaia (Basque Country) population in 2023, as well as to evaluate the evolution of the hospital's social value from 2018 to 2023.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted from the multifaceted perspective of social accounting (stakeholder theory), utilizing the Social Return on Investment (SROI) tool. The economic value of the hospital (both direct and indirect) and the hospital's specific social value were calculated based on areas identified by stakeholders. Subsequently, the hospital's integrated social value and socio-emotional value were determined.

Results: The hospital contributed €34,696,178.20 to society in Direct and Indirect Market Social Value (SROI), and the Non-Market Social Value amounted to €119,758,230.71. This generated an integrated social value of the hospital of €154,454,408.91, which, considering the satisfaction index for the year 2023 was 0.9805, leads to a socio-emotional value of €211,998,238.76.

Conclusions: Hospital Santa Marina generates significant economic value for the society, beyond its direct contribution to the population's health. These findings underscore the importance of adopting a broader perspective on health and highlight the role of healthcare institutions as drivers of sustainable development.