The influence of organizational culture on patient care restructuring

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Nursing Administration

Background:

• A 3-year patient care restructuring project was implemented at University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.
• This initiative involved significant alterations to patient care delivery systems across the organization.
• Patient care managers encountered new challenges related to professional practice changes and the integration of multiskilled workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the influence of existing organizational culture on patient care restructuring.
• To identify key factors for ensuring successful change management during the restructuring project.
• To evaluate the unit culture on pilot units using the Cultural Assessment Survey (CAS).

Main Methods:

• The Cultural Assessment Survey (CAS) was employed to evaluate unit culture.
• The survey was administered on four pilot units: two Adult Health and two Pediatric units.
• Data collected provided insights into the existing organizational culture.

Main Results:

• The study identified organizational culture as a significant factor influencing the success of patient care restructuring.
• Challenges faced by patient care managers were linked to changes in professional practice and the introduction of multiskilled workers.
• The CAS results offered a basis for understanding unit culture on the pilot units.

Conclusions:

• Early assessment of organizational culture is vital for effective patient care restructuring.
• Understanding and addressing cultural influences can mitigate challenges during significant organizational change.
• The findings provide implications for managers navigating changes in healthcare delivery systems.