A recent study shows a hospital’s culture can affect the chances of a patient surviving a heart attack, according to an ABC News report.
The study, conducted by researchers from Yale University and published in the March issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, found a hospital’s organizational structure and interpersonal relationships among staff relate to the likelihood of a patient surviving hospitalization for heart emergencies. It studied 11 hospitals that had been ranked in either the top or bottom five percent of heart attack patient death rates.
The study revealed highly-rated hospitals shared values, goals and visions and that filtered through the entire staff. Within these hospitals, physicians looked to other team members and allowed them to be innovative and meet challenges. Staff also felt more inclined to speak up, discuss mistakes and learn from them.
At the lower-performing hospitals, staff relations were more constrained. Staff interviews often revealed a “finger-pointing culture” and people were anxious about assigning responsibility. Also, at these hospitals, staff relations were more individualistic than team-focused. Low-rated hospitals also had a higher executive turnover rate, and researchers said this made it more difficult to encourage drive or passion among staff.
Study authors recommend hospital staff — particularly executives and physicians — pay close attention to empower staff, value diversity, encourage creativity and avoid blame. Other experts say the study underscores the importance of consumer information in how patients select their hospital, according to the report.
Read the ABC News report on hospital culture and heart attacks.
Read the study abstract from the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Read more about hospital culture:
– 5 Characteristics of an Engaged Hospital Workforce
– The Importance of Patient Experience for Hospitals: Why it Pays to Excel
