Health System Q is located in the same geographic area as Health System P, its main competitor.
While Health System Q touts its status as a community-based integrated delivery system, Health System P leverages its role as a research-intensive academic medical center. Both health systems have achieved MAGNET designation for nursing, both have been listed among the “Most Wired” by HIMSS, and both have centers of excellence (or service lines) in the areas of cardiology, cancer, and women’s health.
You have heard that community members seem to favor Health System Q for most conditions, but appreciate having a local academic health system if they have problems that are out of the ordinary. You are considering a job with one of these health systems in the area of QI, and are trying to decide where your expertise will have the most impact.
What factors would you consider in trying to evaluate which place might be better positioned to leverage your skills and move forward with QI efforts?