Main description:

In her groundbreaking book The SouthwestAirlines Way, Jody Hoffer Gittell revealedthe management secrets of the companyFortune magazine called "the most successfulairline in history." Now, the bestsellingbusiness author explains how to apply thosesame principles in one of our nation's largest,most important, and increasingly complexindustries.

High Performance Healthcare explains the criticalconcept of "relational coordination"-coordinating work through shared goals,shared knowledge, and mutual respect.Because of the way healthcare is organized,weak links exist throughout the chain ofcommunication. Gittell clearly demonstratesthat relational coordination strengthens thoseweak links, enabling providers to deliver highquality, efficient care to their patients.Using Gittell's innovative management methods,you will improve quality, maximizeefficiency, and compete more effectively.

High Performance Healthcare walks you step by stepthrough the process of:

Identifying weak areas of relationalcoordination within your organizationTransforming work practices thatare creating barriers to relationalcoordinationBuilding a high performance worksystem to foster consistent relationalcoordination across all disciplines
The book includes case studies illustratinghow some healthcare organizations arealready transforming themselves using Gittell'sproven tools. It concludes by identifying industry-level obstacles to high performancehealthcare and showing how individual organizationsand their leaders can supportsweeping change at the highest levels.

Policy changes and increased access to carewill not alone answer the healthcare industry'sproblems. Timely, accurate, problem-solvingcommunication that crosses all organizationalboundaries is a powerful response to businessas usual. High Performance Healthcare explainsexactly how to achieve this crucial dynamic,providing a long-awaited cure to an industryin crisis.

Contents:

Part I: Relational Coordination and High Performance Healthcare
Chapter 1: The Challenges We Face
Chapter 2: Relational Coordination as a Driver of Cost and Quality Performance
Chapter 3: Relational Coordination and Resilience under Pressure

Part II: Building Relational Coordination
Chapter 4: Develop Leadership at the Front-Line
Chapter 5: Hire and Train for Relational Competence
Chapter 6: Measure and Reward Performance Broadly
Chapter 7: Resolve Conflicts Proactively
Chapter 8: Design Jobs for Focus
Chapter 9: Create Boundary Spanners
Chapter 10: Connect Through Pathways and Protocols
Chapter 11: Broaden Participation in Team Meetings
Chapter 12: Establish Information Systems
Chapter 13: Partner with Your Suppliers

Part III: Getting from Here to There
Chapter 14: Overcome the Obstacles to Change
Chapter 15: Support High Performance Healthcare at the Industry Level