The Case for Unit-Based Teams: A Model for Front-line Engagement and Performance Improvement

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Unit-based teams (UBTs) were established through a 2005 national agreement between Kaiser Permanente and union coalition.
• UBTs are natural work groups comprising physicians, managers, and frontline staff.
• These teams aim to collaboratively solve problems and enhance quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present case examples of successful Unit-based team outcomes.
• To share physicians' experiences working within these teams.
• To provide an overview of UBT employee-engagement principles and physician participation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized established performance-improvement techniques and employee-engagement principles.
• Focused on identifying and addressing performance gaps within the teams' purview.
• Employed social-movement theory principles.

Main Results:

• UBTs are designed to deliver measurable benefits in clinical outcomes, operations, and patient experience.
• Physician engagement and organizational support are crucial for UBT success.
• UBTs foster greater accountability and allow members to perform their full scope of work.

Conclusions:

• Unit-based teams can achieve significant clinical and operational improvements.
• Physician participation and support are vital for the effectiveness of UBTs.
• UBTs enhance physician work life and overall team performance.