A High-reliability Organization Mindset

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Organizational Change

Background:

• The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) launched an enterprise-wide initiative to foster high-reliability organizations (HROs).
• The US Department of Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System (DVACHS) joined this initiative in 2020.
• The goal is to create safer healthcare systems through continuous process improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a continuous process improvement initiative at DVACHS.
• To outline strategies for implementing system-wide changes on the journey to becoming a high-reliability organization.
• To share perspectives from frontline staff to executive leadership.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of system-wide initiatives focused on continuous process improvement.
• Adoption of high-reliability organization principles.
• Cross-level engagement from frontline staff to executive leadership.

Main Results:

• The DVACHS initiated a structured approach to HRO transformation.
• The initiative involved diverse perspectives across the healthcare system.
• Focus on robust continuous process improvements for enhanced safety and quality.

Conclusions:

• The described processes and strategies can be adopted by other healthcare organizations.
• The journey to high reliability requires system-wide commitment and continuous improvement.
• Successful implementation can lead to safer, higher-quality patient care.