Improving Patient\Population Health: Using ‘Why’ to Develop a Transformative Research Center

Abstract

Introduction Novel approaches to address the most vexing problems facing patients and vulnerable populations are needed. The purpose of this project was to establish an innovative research Center based on the principles of transformational organizations. Methods A new Center formed included faculty members with expertise in cancer, serious illness, and population health. Applying Sinek’s “why, how, and what” framework, members developed and refined a purpose statement and strategic objectives. The Center now includes members representing diverse disciplines. Year 1 accomplishments included a refined mission and vision statement, two funded research proposals, one submitted training grant, one administrative hire, and active recruitment of two-research faculty to support Center activities. Conclusions The newly-formed Center for Improving Patient and Population Health has enabled scholars within a research-intensive school of nursing to forge new partnerships to compete successfully for larger, complicated grant proposals on shorter deadlines. Opportunities exist to integrate students and research staff more fully into Center operations.

A complexity-informed in-depth case study into the sustainability and impact of a culture of health: The TR14ers community youth dance group

“…Sinek’s Golden Circle is intended to help leaders develop successful and sustained teams; through first focusing on Why the team or organisation has been formed, then working out How to achieve that goal before finally determining What to do [ 43 ]. There are only a few other examples of Sinek’s work being applied in health research [ 44 , 45 ]. Both Aebersold, McCullagh [ 44 ] and Lam [ 45 ] describe the development of teams as part of health services or health research; we suggest that Sinek’s ideas can also be applied to community-based health promotion.…”

“…There are only a few other examples of Sinek’s work being applied in health research [ 44 , 45 ]. Both Aebersold, McCullagh [ 44 ] and Lam [ 45 ] describe the development of teams as part of health services or health research; we suggest that Sinek’s ideas can also be applied to community-based health promotion. However, much of public health commissioning and research funding is focused on What will be delivered and to whom; focusing on the process of delivery rather than the intention and core values (paradigm) of an intervention.…”