Strengthening the Core

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Will-Ideas-Execution framework requires participation not just from senior executives but from all levels in an organization. While senior leadership support is crucial, middle managers also play a vital role in safety and quality improvement efforts. The most fundamental skills and learning middle managers must acquire to advance patient safety are: 1. knowledge of improvement methodology, 2. ability to establish clear goals for the microsystem that are aligned with strategic organization-level goals, and 3. knowledge of measurement and financial literacy. Many opportunities are available to senior executives to provide training for middle managers on the skills necessary to support improvement initiatives.