Demystifying theory and its use in improvement
Dartmouth College · Connecticut Department of Labor · +3 more institutions
Abstract
The role and value of theory in improvement work in healthcare has been seriously underrecognised. We join others in proposing that more informed use of theory can strengthen improvement programmes and facilitate the evaluation of their effectiveness. Many professionals, including improvement practitioners, are unfortunately mystified-and alienated-by theory, which discourages them from using it in their work. In an effort to demystify theory we make the point in this paper that, far from being discretionary or superfluous, theory ('reason-giving'), both informal and formal, is intimately woven into virtually all human endeavour. We explore the special characteristics of grand, mid-range and programme theory;…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 120.12
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 84
Authors
4Topics & keywords
- Value (mathematics)
- Work (physics)
- Process (computing)
- Theory
- Development theory
- Point (geometry)
- Computer science
- Management science