The importance of a high-performance work environment in hospitals

Health Serv Res. 2013 Feb;48(1):319-32. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2012.01438.x. Epub 2012 Jun 20.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the benefits of a high-performance work environment (HPWE) for employees, patients, and hospitals.

Study setting: Forty-five adult, medical-surgical units in nine hospitals in upstate New York.

Study design: Cross-sectional study.

Data collection: Surveys were collected from 1,527 unit-based hospital providers (68.5 percent response rate). Hospitals provided unit turnover and patient data (16,459 discharge records and 2,920 patient surveys).

Principal findings: HPWE, as perceived by multiple occupational groups on a unit, is significantly associated with desirable work processes, retention indicators, and care quality.

Conclusion: Our findings underscore the potential benefits for providers, patients, and health care organizations of designing work environments that value and support a broad range of employees as having essential contributions to make to the care process and their organizations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Environment
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / organization & administration*
  • Hospital Administration / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New York
  • Organizational Culture*
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data*
  • Quality of Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Sex Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors