Success factors when implementing a structured support model for systematic work environment management in operating departments: A case study from Sweden

AIM: The study aimed to investigate how departments in a Swedish hospital worked with a structured support model between the sessions and what they identified as success factors. BACKGROUND: To improve the work environment in a Swedish hospital, a structured support model for systematic work environment management was implemented in operating departments. The structured work starts with sending a web‐based, open‐ended, anonymous questionnaire to all employees. In response, employees describe how they perceive their work environment ‘right now’. Next, a session is held where employees' viewpoints are discussed, and areas of improvement are agreed upon. Action plans are created between the sessions, and the employees start working with their plans with support from their managers. Implementing new models takes time and requires efforts from employees and managers. METHOD: A case study was conducted, including three operating departments within a perioperative organization in a university hospital in Sweden. The participating departments had used the model without interruption during the Covid‐19 pandemic 2 years after implementation, and they had created a customized working method. Three first‐line managers were interviewed, and 22 action plans, 21 workplace meeting notes and two presentations were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The results are sorted under three main thematic headings: Experience of results and benefits, Marketing and cheering on and Making adjustments and making the model one's own. The results from the action plans and workplace meetings indicated that the employees had discussed problems with cooperation, work organization and how to treat each other. CONCLUSION: Human factors, such as support, encouragement, seeing the benefits, allowing for time and respecting each other can facilitate and contribute to the implementation and success of a new model. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The main finding of the study indicates that with a structured way of working, and with the participation of the employees in the systematic work environment work, the employees contributed with constructive suggestions for improvement. This, in turn, contributed to reducing the workload for first‐line managers. In addition, when working with a structured model, deficiencies in the workplace were identified, which triggered an improvement process in the participating hospital departments.