Engaging health care workers in improving their work environment

This study describes the perceptions of health care workers who were involved in a participatory approach for the reorganization of care and work, aimed at creating an optimum work environment.

Quebec's health network has undertaken large-scale organizational changes to ensure the quality of health care and services for the population.

This participatory research was carried out by means of interviews. The sample consisted of 20 participants involved in the participatory approach for making changes to the organization of care and work in two pilot units.

Four main perspectives emerged from the analysis: (1) views on the legitimacy of change, (2) commitment, indifference and resistance, (3) day-to-day concrete changes as signs of hope and (4) the elements of the success of the participatory approach.

The management team's support and leadership and the participatory approach were significant factors in the success of the project.