Duke University Hospital: Organizational and Tactical Strategies to Enhance Patient Satisfaction

December 17, 2008 | Volume 5

Authors: Sharon Silow-Carroll, M.B.A., M.S.W.
Contact: ssilowcarroll@healthmanagement.com
Editor: Martha Hostetter
Notes: This case study was originally published on WhyNotTheBest.org, a Commonwealth Fund quality improvement resource.

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Overview

Duke University Hospital is a 924-bed academic medical center in Durham, North Carolina. Scores on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey show that it is a leading hospital nationally on measures of patient satisfaction. Duke University Hospital leaders say that ensuring patient satisfaction requires both organizational and tactical strategies. Particular strategies include: commitment to improving customer service and work culture, and to leadership training; use of a Balanced Scorecard management tool; use of Six Sigma improvement methodology to address underperformance; and recognition of staff members and units demonstrating outstanding customer service.

Citation

S. Silow-Carroll, Duke University Hospital: Organizational and Tactical Strategies to Enhance Patient Satisfaction, The Commonwealth Fund, December 2008.