The Meaning of Careful

In 1999 D J Brown left his job as a doctor in the NHS, frustrated by a system that seemed intent on breaking him. He developed a career as a business consultant, helping companies to improve the way they worked. But his vocation eventually drew him back to healthcare and he returned to the NHS, only to find that it was still hampered by inadequate leadership, inefficient processes, unbalanced targets and a lack of collaboration. He found institutions full of caring and committed healthcare staff unable to do the jobs for which they were trained. And then the local hospital nearly killed his mother. This book is a response to that near-tragedy. It is a response also to our need for a safer, happier and more productive healthcare system. Drawing on his experience as both a front-line doctor and his work with successful international companies, D J has developed the seven-stage CAREFUL programme. This simple approach will transform your healthcare organisation and deliver the clinical efficiency that you, your staff and your patients deserve. By putting people before process and taking the long-term view, he shows how we can improve the reputation and safety of every healthcare institution in the country. Filled with real-life anecdotes and practical examples, this book exudes a passion to transform and improve the way that healthcare is delivered.