Exploring the benefits of public-private partnerships in healthcare through a balanced scorecard approach: the case of A.V.E.P. charity.

The paper aims to assess whether collaborations with private organizations support research hospitals in achieving their institutional mission. Focusing on the illustrative case of the partnership between the haematology division of an Italian public research hospital and a charity institution, we use a multidimensional approach to assess the characteristics that make the partnership a healthy option for the research hospital. More specifically, we develop a customized model of balanced scorecard that permits to appreciate the benefits of the partnership in terms of economic and financial outcomes, stakeholder satisfaction, care and research processes. Our study shows that the charity affects these interrelated dimensions, thus supporting the research hospital in achieving its twofold mission. We contribute to the literature and practice by identifying several characteristics making the partnership a healthy option for the research hospital.