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Learning goals may prevent "goals gone wild".

Benzer JK, Creech SK, Mohr DC, Charns MP. Learning goals may prevent "goals gone wild". American journal of public health. 2014 Dec 1; 104(12):e1.

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Abstract:

The recent special issue describes complex problems challenging the Veterans Health Administration.(1,2) Complex problems require thoughtful, realistic solutions, but such solutions may be difficult to develop in environments that value short-term, goal-focused performance. Currently, the Veterans Health Administration faces accusations of inappropriate scheduling practices that delayed or prevented care. Unrealistic performance standards are one potential cause.(3) Health care leaders should consider the potential unintended impact of performance incentives on risk taking and unethical behavior, colloquially known as "goals gone wild."(4) Learning goals may be one solution. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 16, 2014: e1. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2014.302264).




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