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Organizational Results: Adopt Evidence-Based Processes

Jan 3, 2010
Organizational Results

Kendall L. Stewart, M.D.

You have learned by now that people want to do what they want to do. They resist processes. They deride them as “cookbook” or “kindergarten.”  Most people would much prefer to fly by the seat of their pants. But the only way to consistently produce the results you want is by following a process that will produce those results.

1. Identify the process owners who care. Don’t waste your time with the slackers and whiners. Talk to the people who want to make a difference. You know who they are. They have good ideas about how to make things better, but their negative colleagues have hooted them into submission. They have just about given up. Your invitation to suggest how their daily processes might be improved will be a breath of fresh air.

2. Invite them to suggest how the process might be improved. Begin your discussions with the results you want to achieve. Document your current level of performance. Emphasize the gap. Ask your quiet champions to tell you what goes wrong and ask them how the process would flow better. They have ideas. No one has been interested before.

3. Find evidence-based processes. Somebody else in the world is probably successfully accomplishing what you are trying to do. They almost certainly have a process in place that they have been perfecting for a number of years. Ask them if they will share what they have learned. You will be amazed how often even your competitors will share their insights.

4. Document these processes. When you think you have found an evidence-based process that will work for you, write it down. Make it available. Be sure it is simple to understand and to use. Keep it short. Then keep improving it. Keep it up to date.

How do you identify and deploy evidence based processes in your company? What are some examples?

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4 Comments

  1. Kendall L. Stewart  •  Jan 3, 2010 @6:07 pm

    Have any of you looked into the emerging scientific discipline of Evidence-Based Management (EBM)?
    Both the concept and the early data are fascinating.
    You can explore the EBM Blog at http://www.evidence-basedmanagement.com/blog/.
    Let me know what you think.

  2. Vicki Noel  •  Jan 3, 2010 @9:06 pm

    I have to concur that the best way to learn where process gaps are and to standardize the best internal process is to talk with your “best” people who currently perform the work. They KNOW where improvements can be made and will share if asked. I recall when I first started at SOMC I had just finished a graduate program and work with a hospital in Columbus. I had LOTS of ideas for improvement…being eager and 23 yrs old:-) Tight knit organizational cultures like that at SOMC can be difficult to “break in” to and my ideas weren’t initially well received. If it weren’t for a few perceptive leaders who kept asking and giving me a chance to demonstrate, I may have become quickly dissolutioned and left. Once asked and involved I was able to work effectively with a few key other employees to implement some processes that are still in place today.

  3. Leeann Sammons  •  Jan 4, 2010 @12:16 am

    I have learned that if we just ask front line staff who do the daily work many are willing can and will tell you exactly what steps need to occur. They can also offer insight as to the where the breakdowns and bottle necks are. All we have to do is ask then get to work busting through project barriers.

    As for finding evidence-based processes. All we have to do is a little research and applying practice across disciplines. For example, audits and inspections are fundamentals in safety. These strategies can be applied to clinical processes such as decubitus ulcer prevention, fall prevention and appropriate antibiotic selection for certain surgical procedures to ensure all steps of the process are followed.

  4. Claudia Burchett  •  Jan 10, 2010 @4:51 pm

    I agree with the need to use EBP in our processes. As we have learned, just defining the process is not enough. We must measure to see that it is hardwired (90%). Often we set a new process in place and then wonder why we aren’t achieving results. We must inspect what we expect.
    Another facet of this is making sure that the people we are expecting to utilize the new EBP process understands why it is important. I have found that people are much more engaged if they know and understand why we are doing what we are doing especially when it is a change from their routine.
    While we all stive to communicate effectively, I have found that even though it is time consuming, one on one communication is the best way to truly communicate effectivelyand be able to connect the dots so to speak. It’s kind of like the starfish story….it makes a difference with each one on one conversation.

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