To determine staff productivity in the psychiatry department of a
prepaid health plan, the authors compared hours of direct service with
professional time available. Psychiatrists exceeded the time standards set,
and other staff achieved about three-fourths of the initial standards. The
findings provided a basis for refining the standards for each professional
discipline. Establishing flexible productivity standards in a system that
promotes open discussion and provides continuing positive feedback promotes
more efficient scheduling, which can significantly increase service time in
the face of limited resources.
Abstract Teaser