Health.Region.Waldviertel

This study examines the healthcare system of the Waldviertel region (the districts of Horn, Gmünd, Waidhofen and Zwettl) with the aim of developing a system-level understanding of its structures, dynamics and points of strain. By analysing key interactions, feedback mechanisms and bottlenecks, the study identifies the underlying drivers that contribute to overload, inefficient use of resources, and risks to patient safety. Such an understanding of the system’s current configuration is essential for assessing the likely effectiveness of potential interventions – including those requiring additional financial investment. Without this foundation, interventions risk producing unintended and often counter-productive side effects that may diminish, or even negate, their impact. Drawing on expert interviews, regional stakeholder workshops and relevant literature, the project team developed a shared, consolidated systems map of healthcare provision in the Waldviertel. This was subsequently deepened through a causal-loop analysis. The work identified recurrent patterns (system archetypes) that shape the regional system and that mirror those found in other healthcare systems under strain. On this basis, the study formulates a set of strategic action areas designed to address several archetypes simultaneously, thereby supporting effective and sustainable improvement. The overarching focus is to strengthen system stewardship, enable more purposeful use of resources, and improve both patient care and staff wellbeing in the long term.