Impact of Physicians' Continuous Improvement and Clinical Practice on Perceived Performance Outcomes in Australian and New Zealand Emergency Departments

The research study explores tensions between physicians' clinical practice and implementation of continuous improvement and their impact on Emergency Department (ED) performance outcomes. A `best healthcare Emergency Department' model was developed and `best predictors' identified for the implementation of an improvement strategy for high-performing patientcare organisations. The implication of the results for ED Directors is that there are complexities and challenges when implementing continuous improvement strategies. The tension with physicians' clinical practice should be addressed throughout the implementation process.