Healthcare organizations often place significant emphasis on evaluating and addressing shortcomings in care delivery. However, a groundbreaking study suggests that fostering a culture of appreciation through positive feedback can be equally essential in enhancing teamwork, collegiality, and civility among healthcare workers.
A team of researchers from Mass General Brigham undertook a comprehensive analysis of peer-to-peer positive feedback within the context of caring for terminally ill patients as part of a mandatory mortality review process. Their findings, published in The Journal of General Internal Medicine, highlight the benefits of systematically collecting and sharing positive feedback, shedding light on how it can contribute to a more harmonious work environment within healthcare organizations.
The study involved survey responses from 388 physicians, 212 nurses, 64 advanced practice providers, and 1 respiratory therapist across four Mass General Brigham hospitals. Healthcare professionals were encouraged to provide positive feedback in three key areas:
Exceptional Patient and Family-Centered Care: Recognizing instances of extraordinary care delivered to patients and their families.
Provider’s Expertise and Composure: Acknowledging a colleague’s expertise and ability to maintain composure under challenging circumstances.
Empathic Peer Support and Effective Team Collaboration: Appreciating instances of empathy and effective collaboration within healthcare teams.
The analysis of positive feedback data revealed discernible patterns across different medical specialties. For instance, positive feedback within fields such as medicine, neurology, hospice/palliative care, and surgery predominantly centered on patient care. In contrast, the focus in the field of emergency medicine primarily revolved around recognizing expertise and composure in high-pressure situations.
Importantly, the majority of positive feedback acknowledged specific individuals who had made notable contributions to their teams. Furthermore, nurses emerged as the most active participants in providing positive feedback, surpassing other clinician categories.
The study’s authors acknowledge certain limitations, including the fact that it was conducted within a single healthcare system, thus limiting the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the study did not assess the impact of positive feedback on outcomes such as adverse events, operational efficiency, or clinician wellbeing and retention. Longitudinal examinations in diverse clinical contexts are warranted to further explore these critical aspects.
In summary, the study underscores the potential of positive feedback as a catalyst for promoting mutual appreciation and fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration within healthcare organizations. By acknowledging and celebrating what goes right in healthcare, institutions can contribute to a more positive and supportive work environment for their dedicated healthcare professionals.
