The role of leadership in eliminating health care-associated infections: A qualitative study of eight hospitals
Leading in Health Care Organizations: Improving Safety, Satisfaction and Financial Performance
ISBN: 978-1-78190-633-0
Publication date: 31 July 2013
Abstract
Purpose
Despite hospitals’ efforts to reduce health care-associated infections (HAIs), success rates vary. We studied how leadership practices might impact these efforts.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted eight case studies at hospitals pursuing central line-associated blood stream infection (CLABSI)-prevention initiatives. At each hospital, we interviewed senior leaders, clinical leaders, and line clinicians (n=194) using a semi-structured interview protocol. All interviews were transcribed and iteratively analyzed.
Findings
We found that the presence of local clinical champions was perceived across organizations and interviewees as a key factor contributing to HAI-prevention efforts, with champions playing important roles as coordinators, cheerleaders, and advocates for the initiatives. Top-level support was also critical, with elements such as visibility, commitment, and clear expectations valued across interviewees.
Value/orginality
Results suggest that leadership plays an important role in the successful implementation of HAI-prevention interventions. Improving our understanding of nonclinical differences across health systems may contribute to efforts to eliminate HAIs.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research on Quality (contract no. HHSA290200600022). The views expressed in this chapter are solely those of the authors and do not represent any U.S. government agency or any institutions with which the authors are affiliated. Conduct of this research was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the respective authors. The authors wish to thank Alexandra Moss and Pamela Beavers, both affiliated with The Ohio State University Department of Family Medicine, for their help preparing data for this study. In addition, we are very grateful to the hospitals and individuals who participated in this study.
Citation
Scheck McAlearney, A., Hefner, J., Robbins, J. and Garman, A.N. (2013), "The role of leadership in eliminating health care-associated infections: A qualitative study of eight hospitals", Leading in Health Care Organizations: Improving Safety, Satisfaction and Financial Performance (Advances in Health Care Management, Vol. 14), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 69-94. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1474-8231(2013)0000014008
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013 Emerald Group Publishing Limited