Collaborative focus. A system and its affiliates create their vision for healthy communities

To help the system respond to changes in healthcare, managers of Hobart, IN-based Ancilla Systems, sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, formed the System Integration Team in 1993. Using the seven steps of the Quality Improvement Story, the team agreed on the reason for improvement: "Ancilla Systems is currently not positioned to provide the healthier communities that we envision in the twenty-first century." The team also noted, "Roles, responsibilities, and authority levels are not being effected in a coordinated manner." In August 1993, the team asked that each of its six affiliates develop its own vision statement by year's end. In a September meeting the System Integration Team defined the impediments to achieving a shared vision. The team designed countermeasures to address these impediments: (1) Communicate throughout all levels of the system to clarify roles, responsibilities, and authority levels; (2) Continue educating trustees and managers on healthcare trends, costs, and quality and on Ancilla's response to the changing environment; (3) Refrain from reviewing any governance structural changes until a system vision is finalized. In February 1994 the System Integration Team recommended a vision statement to the Ancilla Systems board of directors. The system vision, as well as affiliate visions, will serve as a basis for structure and role changes that are-and continue to be-necessary.