To enhance communication and participation, unit-based teams use processes that are designed to encourage teamwork, like outcome-oriented meetings and frequent huddles. Teams also regularly analyze data to make sure their improvement efforts are on track. Advanced UBTs employ more sophisticated approaches that include adopting or spreading successful practices and getting input from Kaiser Permanente members and patients. 

To enhance communication and participation, unit-based teams use processes that are designed to encourage teamwork,  ike outcome-oriented meetings and frequent huddles. Teams also regularly analyze data to make sure their improvement efforts are on track. Advanced UBTs employ more sophisticated approaches that include adopting or spreading successful practices and getting input from Kaiser Permanente members and patients. 

UBTs use the Value Compass, which puts the member at the center of every decision, to focus the team’s performance improvement projects on achieving the highest quality, the best service, the most affordable care and the best place to work. UBT goals and improvement work should also be aligned with the priorities of the facility and region where the team is located.

To identify change they want to make in their departments and test them to see if they work, unit-based teams use tools such as the Rapid Improvement Model (also known as RIM+), process mapping and waste walks. Using these performance improvement tools has allowed UBTs throughout Kaiser Permanente to improve service, quality, affordability and the work environment. UBT Tracker is an online tool teams use to track their projects and tests of change.

When UBT members are actively involved with their team, they speak up with their best ideas about how to improve the department. They take advantage of partnership processes like consensus decision-making and interest-based problem solving to make the department a great place to work. They look at how the department is doing on key metrics—like those around service and quality—and use that information to come up with ideas for improvement.

Working in partnership and creating a collaborative, high-functioning team requires specific skills, and the LMP Learning program offers a variety of training opportunities—online and in person—to ensure UBT members, co-leads and sponsors can be successful. Different trainings are recommended at different levels of the Path to Performance and cover areas such as problem solving, decision making and performance improvement.

Stepping up as a leader of your department’s unit-based team—as a UBT co-lead or a UBT health and safety champion—means you’ll be guiding the team to make your department a great place to work and to receive care. You’ll lead meetings, facilitate partnership processes like interest-based problem solving, coach team members and advocate for the team’s success. You’ll also help the team develop along the Path to Performance.