Enhancing the culture and employee engagement for an emergency department

Two on-site consultants became the interim ED Manager and ED Assistant Manager, demonstrating high visibility leadership to staff and working side-by-side with them to collaboratively improve team culture.

The team designed a cultural assessment of the ED to include an evaluation of the barriers and facilitators of a healthy work environment. They focused on the presence, absence, and adequacy of practices and goal alignment for areas including accountability, staffing, leadership, shared decision-making, professional practice growth and development, and staff contribution recognition. These were assessed via interviews, focus groups, and direct observations with the ED staff and key stakeholders.

Key strategies and associated strategic imperatives were developed. Several objectives were identified to align with each key strategy and corresponding outcome measures of success identified. The strategies, objectives, and outcome measures of success were prioritized to span a 12- to 18-month implementation period, along with assignment of resources required for the success of the action plan.

After implementing and maintaining the cultural improvement plan, all of the operational and quality metrics demonstrated improvement. Results included the below and more.