Common denominators of success

There is no mystery to the success stories described in this column. In addition to a lot of hard work, a few basic principles have been applied to widely differing scenarios. These common denominators provide the philosophies and dynamics that can lead to your breakthroughs in quality health care delivery: (1) Trust--among the physicians and then between them and management and the board of directors; (2) positive physician culture and attitudes; (3) effective physician leadership; (4) patient care focus; (5) strong team orientation; and (6) true accountability by all stakeholders. Your job is to help your physicians feel they are major stakeholders in your health care delivery system and be their voice in clinical and financial decision-making at the highest level.