Concurrent implementation of quality improvement programs

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 190-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Elisabeth Nyström ◽  
Rickard Garvare ◽  
Anna Westerlund ◽  
Lars Weinehall
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Change Initiatives ◽  
Quality Initiatives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
National Initiative ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Quality Improvement Programs ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Purpose – Competing activities and projects can interfere with implementing new knowledge and approaches. The purpose, therefore, was to investigate processes and impact related to implementing two concurrent quality initiatives in a Swedish hospital. These were a regionally initiated, system-wide organizational learning programme called the Dynamic and Viable Organization (DVO) and a national initiative on stopping healthcare-associated and hospital-acquired infections (SHAI). Both undertakings aspired to increase staff competence in systematic improvement approaches. Design/methodology/approach – Multiple methods were applied including surveys, observations, interviews, process diaries, documents and organizational measurements. Respondents were unit managers, change facilitators and improvement team members. Findings – Even though both initiatives shared the same improvement approach, there was no strong indication that they were strategically combined to benefit each other. The initiatives existed side by side with some coordination and some conflict. Despite absent management strategies to utilize the national SHAI initiative, positive developments in QI culture and communication were reported. The current study illustrates the inherent difficulties coordinating change initiatives, even in favourable circumstances. Orginality/value – This article addresses the lesser studied but common situation of coinciding and competing projects in organizations.

scholarly journals An integrated Bayesian–Markovian framework for ascertaining cost of executing quality improvement programs in manufacturing industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 1229-1242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohit Goswami ◽  
Gopal Kumar ◽  
Abhijeet Ghadge
Keyword(s):  
Markov Chain ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Quality Level ◽  
Expected Cost ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Of Quality ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
Quality Improvement Programs ◽  
Steady State Probabilities

Purpose Typically, the budgetary requirements for executing a supplier’s process quality improvement program are often done in unstructured ways in that quality improvement managers purely use their previous experiences and pertinent historical information. In this backdrop, the purpose of this paper is to ascertain the expected cost of carrying out suppliers’ process quality improvement programs that are driven by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Design/methodology/approach Using inputs from experts who had prior experience executing suppliers’ quality improvement programs and employing the Bayesian theory, transition probabilities to various quality levels from an initial quality level are ascertained. Thereafter, the Markov chain concept enables the authors to determine steady-state probabilities. These steady-state probabilities in conjunction with quality level cost coefficients yield the expected cost of quality improvement programs. Findings The novel method devised in this research is a key contribution of the work. Furthermore, various implications related to experts’ inputs, dynamics related to Markov chain, etc., are discussed. The method is illustrated using a real life of automotive industry in India. Originality/value The research contributes to the extant literature in that a new method of determining the expected cost of quality improvement is proposed. Furthermore, the method would be of value to OEMs and suppliers wherein the quality levels at a given time are the function of quality levels in preceding period(s).

An International Survey of Quality and Safety Programs in Radiology

2020 ◽  
pp. 084653711989919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Dick ◽  
Kathryn E. Darras ◽  
Frank J. Lexa ◽  
Erika Denton ◽  
Shigeru Ehara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Incident ◽  
The United States ◽  
Quality Initiatives ◽  
Dose Monitoring ◽  
The Status ◽  
Imaging Appropriateness ◽  
Quality Programs ◽  
Radiation Dose Monitoring ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
Quality Improvement Programs

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the status of radiology quality improvement programs in a variety of selected nations worldwide. Methods: A survey was developed by select members of the International Economics Committee of the American College of Radiology on quality programs and was distributed to committee members. Members responded on behalf of their country. The 51-question survey asked about 12 different quality initiatives which were grouped into 4 themes: departments, users, equipment, and outcomes. Respondents reported whether a designated type of quality initiative was used in their country and answered subsequent questions further characterizing it. Results: The response rate was 100% and represented Australia, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, and the United States. The most frequently reported quality initiatives were imaging appropriateness (91.7%) and disease registries (91.7%), followed by key performance indicators (83.3%) and morbidity and mortality rounds (83.3%). Peer review, equipment accreditation, radiation dose monitoring, and structured reporting were reported by 75.0% of respondents, followed by 58.3% of respondents for quality audits and critical incident reporting. The least frequently reported initiatives included Lean/Kaizen exercises and physician performance assessments, implemented by 25.0% of respondents. Conclusion: There is considerable diversity in the quality programs used throughout the world, despite some influence by national and international organizations, from whom further guidance could increase uniformity and optimize patient care in radiology.

Factors that hinder quality improvement programs’ implementation in SME

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 690-715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís Mendes ◽  
Luís Lourenço
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Quality Management System ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Quality Improvement Programs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the following purposes: first, to identify/analyze the main factors that hinder quality improvement programs’ implementation in SMEs, and second, to test if the level of importance attributed to those factors differ according to firms’ dimension. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was mailed to 600 Portuguese SME randomly selected. Out of the sample, a total of 95 questionnaires were completed and returned, performing a final response rate around 16 per cent. Findings – Findings reached from this research, highlighted seven different factors affecting quality programs: top management's education/training level and priorities, costs and actual performance, lack of support from external agents, human resources’ overload, aversion to change, lack of resources, and culture and training. Furthermore, results suggest that these factors assume greater importance in medium-sized firms, compared to smaller ones. Research limitations/implications – The research focused specifically on the Portuguese manufacturing sector; thus, particular attention should be paid in attempting to generalize results. Moreover it is recognized that further researches may consider exploring longitudinal research designs in order to gain additional insights into the dynamic nature of problems faced. Practical implications – Understanding the main problems that hinder quality improvement programs’ implementation in SME may allow practitioners to plan more effectively their quality management system, especially faced with scarce resources. Originality/value – Quality management issues focus essentially on larger organizations. This paper is the first attempt to systematize the main factors that hinder quality improvement programs’ implementation in small and medium sized firms.

scholarly journals Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Colorectal Surgery: A Review of the Economic Implications

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (02) ◽  
pp. 129-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Stone ◽  
Michael Grant ◽  
Christopher Wu ◽  
Elizabeth Wick
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Surgery ◽  
Enhanced Recovery ◽  
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
Multiple Domains ◽  
Quality Improvement Programs ◽  
Hospital Acquired

AbstractEnhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs are transdisciplinary, evidence-based perioperative protocols that aim to standardize best practices and increase the value of delivered healthcare. Quality improvement programs such as ERAS for colorectal surgery have been linked to a reduction in rates of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) including surgical site infection as well as a reduction in overall length of stay. Importantly, to achieve these results, hospitals must commit to fostering transdisciplinary collaboration across surgery, anesthesiology, and nursing, as well as alignment between frontline providers and hospital executives. This requires upfront investment as well as ongoing resource allocation to sustain the program but given the magnitude of the potential impact of a successful ERAS program on multiple domains of quality and safety, the investment will easily reap ongoing rewards. The purpose of this manuscript is to outline implementation and sustainability costs of an ERAS program as well as discuss the potential cost savings related to the program to further inform hospitals considering adoption of this approach to care.

Management strategies help reduce emotional exhaustion of team members in Spanish hotels and restaurants

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 16-17 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Team Conflict ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The analysis of groups of receptionists and waiters in the hotel and restaurant trades revealed that management strategies to deal with conflicts among team members, particularly “avoidance” and “integrating” approaches, reduces emotional exhaustion in the whole team. The findings showed a strong link between team conflict and collective emotional exhaustion. The study also indicated the benefits of “avoidance” and “integrating” approaches to dealing with conflicts. However, the study revealed that a compromising strategy could actually increase emotional exhaustion. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Corporate acceleration process: a systems psychodynamics perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1163-1180
Author(s):  
Piotr Wójcik ◽  
Krzysztof Obłój ◽  
Aleksandra Wąsowska ◽  
Szymon Wierciński
Keyword(s):  
Open Innovation ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Acceleration Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Third Phase ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Social Defenses ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the emotional dynamics of the corporate acceleration process, using the systems psychodynamics perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies inductive multiple case study of embedded 10 cases of corporate acceleration, covering both incumbent and startup perspectives, occurring in the context of a corporate accelerator.FindingsWe find that (1) the process of corporate acceleration involves three phases, each of them is dominated by a different emotional state (hope, anxiety and acceptance), triggering different behavioral responses; (2) as a means to deal with negative emotions, entrepreneurs and corporate acceleration program's team members develop different mechanisms of dealing with contradictories in subsequent acceleration phases (defense and copying mechanisms), which are reflected in their behaviors. Coping mechanisms with goal reformulation (i.e. refocus from the officially declared “open innovation” goals toward mainly symbolic ones) is an effective strategy to manage negative emotions in third phase of the acceleration.Research limitations/implicationsOur sample is limited to two relatively similar accelerators established by telecom companies, and therefore, our theoretical and practical conclusions cannot be generalized.Practical implicationsWe supplement the studies of corporate accelerators that imply how to design them better and improve decision-making rules with recommendation that in order to improve their effectiveness in terms of learning and innovations, their managers need not only to learn how to manage structural and procedural differences but also how to overcome social defenses triggered by corporate–startups cooperation.Originality/valueBy documenting a multidimensional impact of acceleration process, and especially shedding light on psychodynamic aspects behind such liaisons, this paper contributes to richer understanding of corporate–startup relationships, typically examined through a rationalistic lens of strategy literature. The study contributes to interorganizational research and open innovation literature, by showing that corporate acceleration process is marked by phases based on the type of emotions intertwined with the nature and dynamism of its life cycle. It indicates how these emotions are managed depending on their type.

Addressing Communication Breakdowns during Emergency Care Transitions of Older Adults: Evaluation of a Standardized Inter-Facility Health Care Communication Form

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Patrick McLane ◽  
Kaitlyn Tate ◽  
R. Colin Reid ◽  
Brian H. Rowe ◽  
Carole Estabrooks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Persons ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Care Transitions ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Usual Practice ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
Quality Improvement Programs ◽  
Communication Breakdowns

Abstract Transitions for older persons from long-term care (LTC) to the emergency department (ED) and back, can result in adverse events. Effective communication among care settings is required to ensure continuity of care. We implemented a standardized form for improving consistency of documentation during LTC to ED transitions of residents 65 years of age or older, via emergency medical services (EMS), and back. Data on form use and form completion were collected through chart review. Practitioners’ perspectives were collected using surveys. The form was used in 90/244 (37%) LTC to ED transitions, with large variation in data element completion. EMS and ED reported improved identification of resident information. LTC personnel preferred usual practice to the new form and twice reported prioritizing form completion before calling 911. To minimize risk of harmful unintended consequences, communication forms should be implemented as part of broader quality improvement programs, rather than as stand-alone interventions.

Knowledge management strategies for sustaining Lesson Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-178
Author(s):  
Eric C.K. Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is explore the relative effectiveness of people-based and information technology-based knowledge management (KM) strategies as implemented by principals in Hong Kong schools to facilitate and sustain Lesson Study for teachers’ knowledge sharing and internalization. Design/methodology/approach Data from 184 principals in Hong Kong were collected by a cross-sectional quantitative survey. Confirmatory factor analysis and reliability tests have been used to examine the constructed validity and reliability of the instrument. A structural equation model was applied to confirm the predictive effect of people-based and information technology-based KM strategies on teachers’ knowledge sharing and internalization through Lesson Study. Findings Results show that people-based KM strategy predicts knowledge sharing and internalization by and among teachers. However, while information technology-based knowledge management strategies predict teachers’ knowledge sharing, they do not predict how effectively they internalize knowledge. Practical implications Cultivating communities of practice, professional learning communities and mentoring schemes in schools can nurture a knowledge-sharing culture to facilitate and sustain Lesson Study for teacher learning. Institutionalizing an information technology system can help teachers to retrieve, share and store the school’s explicit knowledge. Originality/value The paper not only suggests school management strategies and practices for school leaders to facilitate and sustain Lesson Study, but also brings a new research dimension, KM, to the research area.

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