Quint Studer on effective NHS leadership

The review found that patients want a greater degree of control and influence over their healthcare, better co-ordination and understanding between patients and staff and more safety improvements that will reduce the possibility of infections. For the first time, patients' assessments of the quality of their care will have a direct impact on the way hospitals are funded.

Although there are vast differences in our systems of healthcare, we have been dealing with many of the same issues and challenges in the US.

As the founder of a healthcare outcomes firm, I have learned that quality care and greater patient satisfaction can be achieved by creating a culture that includes leadership development and accountability, engages hospital staff members and makes staff understand that they are an important part of the medical process.

Time well spent

The extra steps taken by health service leaders to create an effective workplace for employees will lead to higher staff retention, improved outcomes and better report cards from the patients served. In fact, Voluntary Hospitals of America conducted a study that found a 20 per cent decrease in the adjusted mortality index at hospitals and healthcare facilities when staff turnover dropped below 12 per cent.

The Alliance for Health Care Research was created for the specific purpose of learning more about good management techniques and operational elements that lead to greater patient safety and satisfaction. An alliance study involving 85 hospitals showed healthcare facilities that encouraged supervisors to spend sufficient time with frontline nursing staff received much higher marks from patients and fewer employee departures.

There is a common bond that unites all of us in healthcare, whether we are leaders, physicians, nurses or support staff. It is a common desire for purpose, worthwhile work and making a difference. Healthcare is more than a job: it is a calling.

Engaging practices

Looking at the best practices of hospitals that have goals and engaged staff is an ideal way to find and apply procedures that will bring the results Lord Darzi seeks in his review.

Healthcare managers everywhere are pursuing the same goals: satisfied patients and dedicated staff members. This can be achieved with effective management tools, a culture of accountability and quality and good leadership practices.

The advice we always give to health service leaders is this: assure your employees that they are critical to your success and have an impact on the people you serve.