title: Best practices: applying management analysis of excellence to immunization.
abstract: The authors applied business management tools to analyze and promote excellence and to evaluate differences between average and above-average immunization peformers in private practices. The authors conducted a pilot study of 10 private practices in Pennsylvania using tools common in management to assess practices' organizational climate and managerial style. Authoritative and coaching styles of physician leaders were common to both groups. Managerial styles that emphasized higher levels of clarity and responsibility managerial styles were evident in the large practices; and rewards and flexibility styles were higher in the small above-average practices. The findings of this pilot study match results seen in high performers in other industries. It concludes that the authoritative style appears to have the most impact on performance. It has interesting implications for training/behavior change to improve immunization rates, along with traditional medical interventions.
authors.affiliation: Pennsylvania Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics, Rose Tree Corporate Center II, Suite 3007, 1400 N. Providence Road, Media, PA 19063, USA. Amy.wishner@villanova.edu
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wishner
authors.forename: Jerold
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aronson
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kohrt
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Norton
mesh_terms: D019985:Benchmarking / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007223:Infant; D007857:Leadership; D010414:Pennsylvania; D020399:Practice Management / Q000458:organization & administration*