Exploring distributed leadership in the BC Sepsis Network

Abstract

Commissioned research was undertaken to explore the role of networks in supporting large-scale change and improvement. Participatory action research and social network analysis were used to study the BC Sepsis Network. Findings of this research include insights into distributed leadership, enablers and barriers within a network approach; the importance of relationships and trust; and the need for meaningful and timely data. Recommendations are made for health leaders who are considering utilizing networks for improving patient quality and safety.

The Return on Investment of a Province-Wide Quality Improvement Initiative for Reducing In-Hospital Sepsis Rates and Mortality in British Columbia, Canada

“…As such, although the reduction in sepsis mortality and associated costs may have been multifactorial, there were no novel advancements in the field of sepsis care to influence these outcome measures during this time period. Importantly, however, there was a significant improvement in lactate measurement by time goal and in sepsis-related mortality during the BCSN and BCPSQC-led 150 Lives Campaign at participating facilities (18). This illustrates the direct improvement in sepsis-related care as a result of a BCSN initiative.…”

“…In a 2016 study that assessed the distributed leadership and interconnectivity of the BCSN, members of the network identified high levels of trust, indicating a positive working environment and effective leadership within the BCSN. Furthermore, survey respondents attributed network success to a clear understanding of shared goals, collective decision-making, informal relationships bridging different areas of the network, sharing resources, free-flowing exchange of information and ideas, opportunities to meet and form relationships, and diversity in stakeholder groups (18). The success of the gamification campaign is attributable to the culture created within the network.…”

Network approaches and interventions in healthcare settings: A systematic scoping review

“…The four types of network interventions were mentioned as recommended strategies to be designed and implemented in order to improve the overall structure and functioning of the networks. Nine studies recommended to use ’individuals’ [ 18 , 22 , 100 , 102 , 103 , 106 , 109 , 114 , 115 ], eight studies recommended ‘induction’ [ 24 , 95 , 97 , 100 , 106 – 108 , 111 ], seven studies discussed possible ’alteration’ strategies [ 96 , 98 , 104 , 105 , 110 , 113 , 114 ], and four recommended ’segmentation’ [ 97 , 99 , 101 , 112 ]. Four studies recommended more than one strategy [ 97 , 100 , 106 , 114 ].…”

“…Nine studies recommended to use ’individuals’ [ 18 , 22 , 100 , 102 , 103 , 106 , 109 , 114 , 115 ], eight studies recommended ‘induction’ [ 24 , 95 , 97 , 100 , 106 – 108 , 111 ], seven studies discussed possible ’alteration’ strategies [ 96 , 98 , 104 , 105 , 110 , 113 , 114 ], and four recommended ’segmentation’ [ 97 , 99 , 101 , 112 ]. Four studies recommended more than one strategy [ 97 , 100 , 106 , 114 ]. Thirteen papers were published between 2010 to 2015, and 11 between 2016 to 1 st May 2022.…”