Quality and Safety in Healthcare: What Defines a Struggling Organization? Time for Reflection

Source: PeaceLabs.org

It is typically more common for publications to identify what is required for select positive outcomes.  

I like this alternative approach, a publication which defines the characteristics of organizations that struggle with quality and safety.   The paper is PubMed indexed here.

Although the results may not be Earth shattering the findings are important.  The five domains consistently reported by struggling organizations include:

1.  Poor organizational culture
2.  Inadequate infrastructure
3.  Lack of a cohesive mission and vision
4.  System shocks- such as high level personnel turnover, particularly in leadership
5.  Dysfunctional external relations

Although no prescriptive plan is offered, these domains provide a comparative reference and a reflective focus point for organizations struggling to meet safety and quality goals.

All change starts with self (organizational) reflection.