BOOK REVIEW
Book Title: Project Management for Healthcare (3rd ed.)
Author: David Shirley
Publisher: CRC Press
List Price: $67.99
Format: Paperback, 290 pages
Publication Date: 2024
ISBN: 978-1-032-54847-0
Reviewer: Krystle McCloney, MHA, PMP
Review Date: April 2026
Introduction
In Project Management for Healthcare (3rd ed.), David Shirley explores project management principles tailored to the complexities of the healthcare industry. The book serves as both a foundational guide of project management frameworks and a practical resource for initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing projects in healthcare environments.
Overview of Book’s Structure
The book is organized into four sections: Definition, Details, Management Skills as a Necessity, and Advanced Topics. In the first section, the author establishes foundational knowledge by defining key project management terms and providing historical context for the field. This grounding helps readers understand how project management has evolved and why its principles are applicable across industries. The second section provides a comprehensive overview of core project management components. Shirley explores essential elements such as time estimation, cost, quality, while also addressing risk and change management. He offers practical insights into the role of the project manager, emphasizing both technical competencies and the ability to operate effectively within complex organizational structures. In the third section, Shirley shifts focus to the interpersonal and leadership skills required for successful project execution. He underscores the importance of effective communication and stakeholder engagement as critical drivers of project success. The final section addresses contemporary topics impacting healthcare, including the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainability and green initiatives, and the application of Agile methodologies within healthcare settings. Each chapter – aside from chapters 19 and 20 – includes “Key Review Questions,” reinforcing critical concepts and encouraging reflection.
Notably, the book is structured sequentially, with each chapter building upon the previous one. This approach enables readers to develop a well-rounded understanding of project management and its practical application within healthcare environments.
Highlights
Throughout the book, Shirley provides strong, relevant examples of project management within healthcare settings. When discussing project initiation and planning, he offers practical illustrations of why projects are undertaken, including the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and precision medicine. These examples ground the theoretical concepts in current industry trends and reinforce the “project manager’s mantra” to deliver projects on time, within budget, and at the expected level of quality.
A particularly important strength of the text is the emphasis on quality and risk management. In healthcare, where patients are the primary stakeholders, failures in these areas can result in significant harm or even the loss of life. Shirley appropriately underscores the importance of proactively identifying risks and associated risk triggers, developing risk response strategies, and continuously monitoring and controlling quality throughout the project lifecycle. The author also highlights key tools and techniques available to project managers, including risk analysis, risk matrix, and Pareto charts to aid in measuring performance quality.
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How to cite this work: McCloney, K. (2025). Project Management for Healthcare, 3rd Ed., book review, PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue V, May. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pmwj164-May2025-McCloney-PM-for-Healthcare-book-review.pdf
About the Reviewer
Krystle McCloney
Texas, USA
Krystle McCloney, MHA, PMP, is a strategic program management leader specializing in healthcare operations, executive governance, and enterprise-level execution. She applies a structured, systems-thinking approach to complex challenges, aligning stakeholders, optimizing processes, and translating strategy into measurable results. With experience navigating matrixed, cross-functional environments and advising on strategic and operational initiatives, she drives organizational performance and advances innovative, data-informed solutions in healthcare. Krystle holds a Master of Health Administration from The Pennsylvania State University, a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and a PMI Agile Project Pro micro-credential. She is also engaged in professional and community initiatives, including participation in organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and volunteer work supporting hospice and end-of-life care. She can be contacted at www.linkedin.com/in/krystlemccloney
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