A problem-solving routine for improving hospital operations

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically why a systematic problem-solving routine can play an important role in the process improvement efforts of hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on 18 process improvement cases were collected through semi-structured interviews, reports and other documents, and artifacts associated with the cases. The data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Findings

Adherence to all the steps of the problem-solving routine correlated to greater degrees of improvement across the sample. Analysis resulted in two models. The first partially explains why hospital workers tended to enact short-term solutions when faced with process-related problems; and tended not seek longer-term solutions that prevent problems from recurring. The second model highlights a set of self-reinforcing behaviors that are more likely to address problem recurrence and result in sustained process improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in one hospital setting.

Practical implications

Hospital managers can improve patient care and increase operational efficiency by adopting and diffusing problem-solving routines that embody three key characteristics.

Originality/value

This paper offers new insights on why caregivers adopt short-term approaches to problem solving. Three characteristics of an effective problem-solving routine in a healthcare setting are proposed.

Citation

Ghosh, M. and Sobek II, D.K. (2015), "A problem-solving routine for improving hospital operations", Journal of Health Organization and Management, Vol. 29 No. 2, pp. 252-270. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHOM-09-2013-0191