Quality improvement is usually driven by quality, safety and risk agendas leading to a focus on measurements of the outputs of care; outputs such as fewer complaints, fewer accidents and adverse events. An oft-neglected theme is the impact of the quality improvement initiative within the organisation itself. This paper presents the findings of the first stage of an evaluation that has examined the changes which have occurred within organisations since participating in a quality improvement initiative. These findings indicate that engaging with a quality improvement program can change the nature of social interactions within the organisation. In this way, quality improvement programs can impact on organisational culture, particularly in relation to organisational learning. Thus, this paper argues that successful engagement with a quality improvement program can enhance organisational learning, and, in turn, build organisational capacity.
History
Publication title
Australian Journal of Primary Health
Volume
14
Pagination
35-45
ISSN
1448-7527
Department/School
School of Health Sciences
Publisher
Australian Journal of Primary Health, Australian Institute for Primary Care and School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University
Place of publication
Victoria
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Evaluation of health and support services not elsewhere classified