Creating a common understanding of organizational problems across disciplines in hospitals – a case study of stroke care delivery

Abstract Background: Research has revealed that a lack of coordination between specialist units reduces the quality of care and leads to a waste of resources. Improved cooperation is necessary to ensure better care delivery, but not easy to achieve. To obtain sustainable improvement, medical practitioners need to have deep insights into the relevance of interdisciplinary coordination at their particular unit. In a case study we explore the development of knowledge and the effect of interdisciplinary coordination. Methods: We present and reflect on a project to improve stroke treatment in a Norwegian hospital led by the first author. Data was obtained via documents, observations, and interviews with participants in a cross-functional improvement group. Results: The participants developed a common understanding of why it took a long time to provide effective treatment for patients suffering from thrombotic stroke. These insights were used to implement practical changes, which led to immediate improvements in care for stroke patients. Their successful implementation set into motion a permanent improvement structure. The participants considered that mapping and then assessing the entire patient and work flow across disciplines were relevant methods for improving the quality of patient care. Conclusion: This study provides a practical example of how improvement work can be organized in a hands-on way. The practical approach makes medical professionals discover and understand the importance of cross-disciplinary coordination for the quality of patient care.