Abstract
Healthcare organizations across the U.S. continually strive to remain competitive, facilitate appropriate access to
services, provide quality care, and achieve optimal patient outcomes. Changes in demographics, accreditation
standards, regulations, and healthcare operations present business opportunities and create needs within organizations
that call for new approaches. As a result, healthcare organizations are actively preparing to meet the needs of their
current or future patients. Identifying and implementing new systems and practices to keep pace with emerging trends
and standards in the healthcare industry is a process that requires institutional change at multiple levels. To improve
the quality of care for all groups, healthcare institutions are taking steps to become culturally effective organizations.