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Participatory management at Boston's Beth Israel Hospital
1Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.
Summary
Beth Israel Hospital implemented the Scanlon Plan, a participatory management approach, to enhance quality and productivity. This initiative successfully engaged staff in problem-solving and improved hospital efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Hospitals face challenges balancing cost reduction with service quality and staff morale.
- Participatory management models were explored as a potential solution to these issues.
- The Scanlon Plan, a 1930s approach, was identified as a suitable framework.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and impact of the Scanlon Plan at Beth Israel Hospital.
- To improve hospital quality, productivity, and efficiency through staff engagement.
- To foster a sense of ownership among staff regarding organizational challenges.
Main Methods:
- Selection and adaptation of the Scanlon Plan for a hospital setting.
- Implementation of a suggestion system and committee structure for employee participation.
- Introduction of equitable reward systems tied to productivity and quality improvements.
Main Results:
- Successful adaptation and implementation of the Scanlon Plan in 1989.
- Demonstrated positive impact on quality improvement and staff engagement.
- Provided valuable lessons learned regarding its application in a teaching hospital.
Conclusions:
- The Scanlon Plan can be effectively implemented in healthcare settings to drive quality improvement.
- Engaging staff through participatory management fosters a proactive approach to organizational challenges.
- Beth Israel Hospital's experience highlights the successful integration of the Scanlon Plan in a leading teaching hospital.