Implementing a shared governance model in the perioperative setting.

Abstract

This article examines the existing literature about shared governance, particularly as it applies to the perioperative setting, and chronicles the process of implementing a shared governance model in one hospital's surgical services department. The goal of the implementation was to improve the department's efficiency and morale by transferring decision-making responsibilities to the staff level. Progress in the first 18 months of the project has been challenging, but results have been encouraging.