Researchers conducted a qualitative analysis of walkround programs at two teaching hospitals. Their analysis included interviews with senior leaders and front-line staff members.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
According to the study, “senior leaders tended to regard executive visibility as an end in itself and generally did not engage with staff concerns beyond the walkrounds encounter.” Additionally, some senior leaders reportedly believed they understood patient safety concerns better than the front-line staff, even calling some staff concerns “stupid,” according to the study.
According to the Health Research & Educational Trust, walkrounds aim to increase safety issue awareness, make safety a high priority for senior leadership, educate staff about patient safety concepts, collect information from staff on barriers to safety, analyze and act on this information and give feedback to providers and leadership on patient safety processes.
Researchers suggest senior leaders should be better prepared to help avoid counterproductive behaviors observed in the study.
More Articles on Hospital Leadership:
10 Trends for Hospital, Health System Governance in 2014
Dr. Toby Cosgrove Releases Book: “The Cleveland Clinic Way”
Engaged, Empowered and Enthused: The Link Between Employee Engagement and the Patient Experience
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
