CMWF - Hospital Quality: Ingredients For Success

Overview And Lessons Learned
Jack A. Meyer, Sharon Silow-Carroll, Todd Kutyla,
Larry S. Stepnick, and Lise S. Rybowski
July 2004

www.cmwf.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=233868

ABSTRACT: Hospitals across the country are searching for ways to improve quality of care and promote effective quality improvement strategies. This research study identifies and describes the key factors that contributed to the success of four high-performing hospitals across the country. Essential elements of a successful strategy, according to the study, include developing the right culture, attracting and retaining the right people, devising and updating the right in-house processes, and giving staff the right tools to do the job. External influences, such as local market competition and public or private health quality initiatives and standards, also have an impact. Through information gleaned from site visits and in-depth interviews with these high-performing hospitals, the study assesses quality drivers, internal processes, and challenges, and offers guidance and actions steps to help hospitals move in the right direction.