Success factors when implementing a structured support model for systematic work environment management in operating...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• A structured support model for systematic work environment management was implemented in Swedish hospital operating departments.
• The model involves anonymous employee questionnaires, discussion sessions, and action plans developed between sessions.
• Successful implementation requires time, effort from employees and managers, and a customized approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how Swedish hospital departments utilized a structured support model for work environment management.
• To identify key success factors contributing to the model's effective implementation and sustainability.

Main Methods:

• A case study was conducted in three operating departments of a Swedish university hospital.
• Data collection involved interviews with three first-line managers and analysis of 22 action plans and 21 meeting notes.
• Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data from the action plans and meeting notes.

Main Results:

• Employee discussions focused on cooperation, work organization, and interpersonal treatment.
• Thematic analysis revealed key themes: experience of results and benefits, marketing and encouragement, and model customization.
• Action plans and meeting notes indicated constructive employee suggestions for improvement.

Conclusions:

• Human factors such as support, encouragement, perceived benefits, allocated time, and mutual respect are crucial for successful model implementation.
• A structured approach with active employee participation in systematic work environment management yields constructive suggestions and reduces manager workload.
• Identifying workplace deficiencies through the structured model triggers essential improvement processes within hospital departments.