Lead Researcher - Sarah Pajak
Programme Director - David Guest
Aims
One of the key aims of the PSSQRC is to test how far organisational developments in other sectors can be applied within the health sector. Developments that have been successfully applied in manufacturing and service industries have included leadership interventions structured around team working and performance management. This project will explore leadership and teamwork approaches that have been ‘imported’ to Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (KCH), drawing on experiences in other industries. Work will include:-
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A review of how and where ‘imported’ human resource and management interventions have already been applied and what impact they have had.
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Interviews with hospital, a management consultancy (Panthea) and First Choice staff to gather a full picture of the proposed changes in staff working.
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Development of measures which, based on the literature, might be expected to effect positive change
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Application of these measures in an area of KCH where First Choice are testing the approach and another where the approach is not used which will serve as a comparison. If the work by First Choice is successful there may be wider application in the hospital, and a more extensive evaluation of patient benefits will be carried out.
Why is this important?
We are interested in whether policies and practices designed to enhance teamwork and leadership (including staff commitment and satisfaction) can, through their impact on staff attitudes and behaviour, improve patient safety and service quality.
The KCH First Choice Programme is beginning work with a management consultancy, using a new approach to dealing with the healthcare workforce focused on leadership, teamwork and performance management. The suggestion is that through efficient team work and leadership, positive workplace experiences for staff will lead to positive experiences for patients. The project will evaluate the work carried out by the First Choice Programme to see whether this approach delivers the anticipated benefits.
Participants
Staff (including healthcare professionals and managers) within areas of KCH where the First Choice intervention is taking place will be studied.Initial research will be carried out in two areas of KCH where the First Choice intervention is taking place.
Anticipated outcomes
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Academic papers
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A tested approach for evaluating the First Choice intervention
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The opportunity to transfer knowledge throughout KCH and beyond
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Interviews and analysis of reports of the pilot intervention completed by September 2008, ‘pre-intervention’ data collection to be completed by November 2008. Possible extension of intervention to second ward and beyond from February 2009 onwards