The Billings Clinic reduced HA-MRSA infections by 89 percent from June 2005 to June 2008. Astounding. Even more astounding is that they accomplished the reduction by working together.
Can we be MORE succesful transforming culture by focusing narrowly on how we tackle our complex challenges within each unit?
The answer is a resounding yes.
The Billings Clinic in Montana is getting spectacular results eliminating transmissions of MRSA. A variety of socially-inventive approaches are being used to unleash hundreds of small innovations. The approaches—Positive Deviance, Improv Learning Simulations, and Social Network Mapping—engage frontline staff in discovering tacit and emergent solutions for themselves… not waiting for experts in infection control or managers to solve the problem.
Changes in self-organizing behaviors at the unit level have shifted behaviors toward a more collectively mindful culture. As experts and leaders let go of over-control, front line staff take on more responsibility for safety and innovation. The results include more joy in work, safe practice, and spectacular results.