Medisch Spectrum Twente
From scheduling as a tool to a strategic instrument for control over work
The question from Medisch Spectrum Twente:
MST combines top-level clinical care with a strong profile in education and innovation, thanks in part to close collaboration with the University of Twente. Within this context, MST chooses not to view scheduling as a purely technical issue, but as a strategic tool to increase job satisfaction, predictability, and quality of care. Can you help us putting this choice into practice hospital-wide?
Focus areas
Data Strategy Technology Transformation
What we did:
We want colleagues to experience every day that we take control of work seriously. It is not just about a schedule on paper, but about whether people notice in their work that things are going better. Technology and planning frameworks are important, but without attention for behaviour and collaboration, they will not take root. That is why we always work from an integral perspective: the way of working, the systems, rules, and culture are viewed in conjunction. In addition, we opt for learning in practice. Instead of thick reports or policy documents, it is about concrete steps in the workplace.
Clinics, outpatient clinics, departments, and their (medical) staff are largely implementing the new approach on their own initiative. Teams receive support that aligns with their phase and needs: coaching, explanation, or additional training in scheduling expertise. This is how you build (self-)confidence. With the new scheduling approach, MST achieves 2% less absence and 15% fewer violations of the Working Hours Act (ATW).