What is Auxiliary Variables

This chapter combines traditional performance management and system dynamics simulation modelling to address patients' mobility issues and pursue public value. The Italian case study is a first illustration of travelling flows' causal structure; however, the perspective is to introduce such methodological approach also at European level. After a literature review about the main factors inducing healthcare mobility, the phenomenon is explored in light of public management theories. Then, a model portrays the causal structure of the phenomenon in terms of system dynamics and performance management items. There follows a discussion of theoretical and managerial implications of the study, as well as ideas and issues for next research steps.