Engaging Staff as Problem Solvers Leads to Continuous Improvement at Allina Health. Issue 6 (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clancy, Gregory; Graban, Mark
• Is Part Of: Global business and organizational excellence. Volume 33:Issue 6(2014)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: Industrial productivity -- Periodicals; Industrial management -- Periodicals; Industrial organization -- Periodicals; 658
• DOI: 10.1002/joe.21571
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-2054

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>In a Kaizen endeavor at Allina Health—a nonprofit health system in the Midwestern United States with more than 26, 000 employees—nurses, doctors, dietitians, engineers, housekeepers, and all other staff in four units were encouraged to contribute ideas to solve the problems they encountered on the job. Managers at all levels used effective communication, constructive feedback, and supportive delegation to coach their efforts rather than dictate solutions from above. The results led to a wide range of process improvements that cut costs and enhanced safety, efficiency, patient satisfaction, quality, and morale. Over time, the initiative will be rolled out system‐wide toward the formation of an organizational culture that empowers every staff member to improve the flow and outcome of their daily responsibilities. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </abstract>