Productivity monitoring systems in hospitals: a work group focus

Details of the process for installing a productivity monitoring system are presented in action research terms. This process is based on the assumption that alterations in a hospital's productivity focus are based on the linkage of improvements in work unit productivity to the reward system. This article develops a model and identifies key process issues for each step in the model. Important behavioral and attitudinal changes that are associated with each step are highlighted. The role of top hospital management in facilitating an alignment between organizational structure, work systems, and productivity improvement is discussed. The potential problems in establishing a productivity monitoring system are presented. The discussion concludes by noting the prerequisites to improving hospital efficiency through productivity monitoring systems.