[Organization development of the public health system].
BACKGROUND
Changes in the German health care system require changes in health care institutions. Organizational development (OD) techniques can help them to cope successfully with their changing environment.


METHODS
OD is defined as a collective process of learning aiming to induce intended organizational change. OD is based on social science methods and conducted by process-oriented consultants. In contrast to techniques of organizational design, OD is characterized by employee participation. One of the most important elements of OD is the so-called "survey-feedback-technique".


RESULTS
Five examples illustrate how the survey-feedback-technique can be used to facilitate organisational learning.


CONCLUSIONS
OD technique supports necessary change in health care organizations. It should be used more frequently.
Pfaff
Holger
H
Abteilung Medizinische Soziologie, Institut für Arbeits- und Sozialmedizin der Universität zu Köln. holger.pfaff@medizin.uni-koeln.de
Klein
Jürgen
J
D003256:Community Participation; D005246:Feedback; D017144:Focus Groups; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration