How would you like to spend money once, but get more for your buck when you use it for two purposes? One gastroenterology physicians group achieved that goal by decorating the office with art that also motivates employees.
Gapingvoid, a Miami-based consulting firm specializing in change management, conducted preliminary research with staff and patients at the Physicians Group of South Florida, who are physicians in the fields of internal medicine, gastroenterology, and endoscopy with two facilities in the Miami area. The purpose was to determine the daily challenges requiring attention. Art was selected and installed to create a positive and humorous atmosphere for patients, physicians, and staff.
Art was installed with phrases such as “We are family” and “Care in action.” After art was installed, increases were reported in the staff’s attention to patient care and in positive patient perceptions about the office environment and in their overall experience.
Employees who had difficulty staying motivated at work dropped from 31% to 0%. The art transformed employee priorities, with 66% stating that helping patients was the most fulfilling part of their work, compared with 33% prior to the program. Staff members felt more engaged, part of something larger, and more rewarded. Communication improved, along with positive attitudes among the team and in interaction with patients.
The art also had a positive impact on the patient experience. Of a group of patients surveyed before and after the art was installed, none mentioned the art as their favorite part of their office visit before the program. This figure rose to 50% on their visit after the old artwork was replaced by new imagery.
According to Jason Radick, MD, a partner of Physicians Group of South Florida, the new artwork “helped us understand that treating patients effectively means more than prescribing medication. It means working to create an overall environment that promotes positive, healthy interaction among staff and patients. The art is a reminder to our team to focus on our mission to help people feel better in body and in mind. The results of the program continue to make us a better practice every day.”
To view images of the art installation, go to http://1drv.ms/1KSnBaI.
