Medical Staff

W. Edwards Deming's management method

Medical Staff Leader Connection, February 19, 2004

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Dear Medical Staff Leader:

It's been nearly 20 years since Mary Walton first published her excellent book "The Deming Management Method" which describes W. Edwards Deming's provocative and controversial management method. Despite the recognition and praise the book has received over the years, many physician leaders are unfamiliar with Deming's invaluable insights.

However, the majority of physician leaders could benefit from the lessons discussed in Walton's book. For example, Deming's pet peeves resonate with most leaders. Dedicated physician leaders are bothered by colleagues who manage by slogans or by setting quotas, fail to understand their own job responsiblities, and can't define the responsibilities of those who report to them.

To tackle such problems, Deming suggests starting at the top. According to Deming, change starts at the top with informed quality conscious management. I've taken the liberty of revising Deming's 14 management steps to suit medical staff leaders. Take a look.

1. Create constancy of purpose for the improvement of care and service

2. Adopt and become fervent about the new philosophy

3. Cease dependence on mass inspection (i.e. chart review)

4. Don't defer to big admitters

5. Constantly improve systems by identifying and adopting best practices

6. Establish a great leadership training program

7. Implement true leadership, which is different than stewardship, by developing solid goals

8. Drive out fear. This may be most necessary for medical staffs because so much fear is built into the healthcare system

9. Break down the barriers between sections and departments. Literally tear the bylaws apart to eliminate turfs

10. Eliminate slogans, exhortations, and targets for physicians

11. Eliminate numerical quotas

12. Remove barriers to pride of workmanship

13. Institute a vigorous education program

14. Take action to accomplish the transformation

Ask your library to dig out a copy of "The Deming Management Method." The principles in this great book have worked for so many businesses and they just might also make a difference to your medical staff.

That's all for this week. All the best,

Hugh Greeley



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