Leadership walkarounds improve operational, cultural outcomes

A systemic review found leadership walkarounds ─ leaders visiting floors to hear directly from front-line staff ─ contributed to improved operational and cultural outcomes, according to a study published this week in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Patient Safety Network. However, the authors concluded more evidence is necessary to establish the positive association between leadership walkarounds and clinical outcomes, as well as how walkarounds affect policy and practice. Twelve studies published between 2005 and 2018 were included in the systemic review; 83% took place in the United States. Eleven of the studies evaluated operational and cultural outcomes; only one study assessed clinical outcomes. The British Medical Journal recently published the systemic review. (AHRQ Journal of Patient Safety article, 10/25/23)