Everyday Excellence, by Clive Shearer, Milwaukee, Wis: ASQ Quality Press, 2006. 251 pages, softcover, $40.00.
This book does not address quality issues in the health care sector exclusively. In fact, the lessons presented in this volume are intended to promote different aspects of effective functioning in any type of organization in any industry. They apply to health care provider organizations as well as to others. Each of the 10 chapters deals with a broad subject area, and incorporates from 5 to 11 "lessons." Each lesson is built around a strategic or operating issue that can arise in the course of an organization's operations, and includes a few tidbits of advice on how to handle it constructively.
Of particular value to a student of quality management in the health care industry is Chapter 3, "Improving Operations." Here the author addresses the virtues of crisis prevention by establishing early warning systems, of implementing quality reviews, and of reducing variation. However, these subjects are addressed in the most general terms. The discussion could have benefited from the presentation of a few examples of early warning systems, of types of quality review, and of ways to reduce variation.
A big plus for this book is its style of organization. While the chapters follow a story line, each chapter stands alone. The lessons incorporate sidebars describing the issue that is the topic of the lesson. The whole book is a very easy read. Its major flaw is the thoroughly superficial character of the analysis, suggestions, recommendations, and advice given. Each perceived issue or problem is resolved with a snappy paragraph or two. In the real world, it takes a little longer.
The author, a British transplant, has a background in structural engineering. Since his arrival in the United States in 1976, he has served primarily as a management consultant to clients in a variety of fields, including, among others, health care services. His writings cover a broad swath of interests. The improvement of quality has been a major focus.
Jean Gayton Carroll, PhD, Editor
Quality Management in Health Care, Chicago, Ill