Self-directed work teams: application to a drug information center

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Pharmacy Practice

Background:

• Traditional management structures in healthcare are evolving due to economic, educational, and technological changes.
• Self-directed work teams (SDWTs) offer potential benefits like cost reduction and increased employee motivation.
• The University of Illinois at Chicago Drug Information Center previously operated under a traditional management model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the transition of a drug information center from traditional management to a self-directed work team (SDWT).
• To outline the responsibilities of the SDWT, including service, education, research, and drug use policy development.
• To evaluate the initial outcomes and challenges of implementing an SDWT in a drug information center setting.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was used to document the transition process.
• The study involved reevaluating the center's mission and activities post-transition.
• Key aspects of SDWT implementation, including member involvement and operational changes, were observed.

Main Results:

• The transition to an SDWT structure has been positive, fostering greater team member involvement in all operational aspects.
• The team structure allows for increased freedom for members to pursue projects of personal interest.
• Issues such as performance-based compensation and evaluation methods are still being addressed.

Conclusions:

• Self-directed work teams (SDWTs) offer significant benefits for healthcare organizations.
• Successful SDWT implementation necessitates strong management commitment and effective communication.
• The shift to an SDWT model prompted a necessary reevaluation of the drug information center's mission and activities.