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Improving the Delivery of Services in a Local Health Department: Integration versus Block
Author(s) -
Corcoran Jan,
Hill Nancy,
Credle Jeanne,
Lowe Patty H.,
Alan Dever G. E.,
Lofton Teresa C.,
Anderson Sondra L.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1446.1988.tb00761.x
Subject(s) - workload , service delivery framework , service (business) , nursing , patient satisfaction , work (physics) , medicine , job satisfaction , family medicine , operations management , psychology , business , computer science , marketing , mechanical engineering , social psychology , engineering , operating system , economics
The purpose of this study was to determine whether replacement of block clinics with integrated clinics improved delivery of service to patients and improved the work environment for staff. To measure the impact of service delivery change, a systematic, random sample of clients was surveyed both before integrating services and one year after integration. A staff survey was also conducted to measure the effects of the change on work performance and satisfaction. Results from the client survey showed significant improvements in average waiting time, perceived shorter waiting time, and use of several services at one visit. Results from the staff survey showed perceived improvements in patient care, more time for patient education and follow‐up, and workload management. Because of the positive effects of service integration, the change to this type service delivery is being implemented throughout the health district.