Performance management is a management philosophy which focuses sharply on the achievement of good and sustainable results. It starts with a strategic process that takes account of internal and external factors and works out clearly defined, measurable strategic objectives, which are then put into operation. Performance management in the healthcare sector aims to constantly improve the results of the best possible healthcare processes by making optimal use of tools.

This text begins by addressing the organizational preconditions and provides a step-by-step approach for the realization of performance management in a healthcare organization. It then proceeds to discuss the relevance of performance management to disease management and the professional development of the discipline, and concludes with the topical debate on the publication of results and a set of case histories.