Public Health Organizations: Mission Statements

By Jordan C. Kabins, Ph. D., MBA

Why Do Mission Statements Matter?

Mission statements are not merely words on a page; they are a powerful tool that can unite employees around a common purpose. They articulate a business's goals, and when employees align their behaviors with this cause, it fosters a sense of belonging and unity. This unity underscores the value and importance of each employee within the organization, inspiring them to work toward a shared vision. Additionally, mission statements serve as significant reminders for employees of how they integrate into their organization. They also act as public announcements to stakeholders, employees, and customers of public health organizations. Organizational alignment ensures that all employees work toward the same goals and objectives, which is essential for any company and typically starts with a vision and mission statement. Public health organizations must be aware of their mission statements and what they communicate to their employees, which can have lasting effects. Hospitals that do not prioritize their mission statements risk sending the wrong message to their employees and customers. Mission statements are not just a formality; they are the first line in building credibility between an employer, its employees, and the outside world. They shape the organization's reputation and influence stakeholders' perceptions, a responsibility that should be taken seriously.

Leading Hospitals' Mission Statements

 I reviewed the mission statements of 17 of the country's leading hospitals. A list of these hospitals and their mission statements will be provided after this blog. Through further analysis, I concluded that hospitals prioritize several key areas: Patient Care, Community Wellbeing, Education and Training, Research and Innovation, Compassion, and Leadership in Healthcare. These elements impact one another, highlighting the holistic nature of the healthcare system and the interconnectedness of their work. No matter how small, every role contributes to the more extensive system. Patients' treatment and education significantly affect the community's overall wellbeing. Through research and innovation, medical institutions learn how to improve treatments and training services for everyone's benefit. These are the pillars upon which modern medicine is built. However, this system can only function effectively with "buy-in." 'Buy-in' refers to employees' commitment and engagement with their organization's mission and goals. For example, if a nurse or doctor removes a bandage following a successful surgery without compassion, it can cause trauma to the patient. This may result in a negative experience, discouraging the patient from returning. Even if the medical treatment was excellent, one poor interaction can taint the entire experience. After all, hospitals are businesses and must ensure their customers are satisfied.

My Challenge for All Hospitals and Public Health Organizations

 I challenge you to review your organization's mission statement and reflect on whether it genuinely addresses your philosophy and goals. When hospitals and organizations prioritize their stated missions, employee performance and job satisfaction will improve. For example, nursing and doctor shortages will grow if our organizations do not change. Most public health organizations have thoughtful and consistent mission statements and goals; however, they may not be implemented effectively. Financial constraints can pose significant challenges to ensuring employees receive the training and support they deserve. When healthcare leadership is optimized, nurses and doctors work in a more conducive environment that promotes compassion, camaraderie, and community wellbeing. Some organizations may offer comprehensive services, yet their employees might not be aware of their existence. This disconnect creates inefficiency and can worsen stress in an already demanding environment. Mission statements provide a fundamental aim for any organization's operating guidelines. It is in every hospital's best interest to prioritize these principles. It is vital to recognize the impact of each principle and understand why these stated principles are essential, as they shape performance, attitude, and solidarity. I will discuss mission statements in more depth in future blog posts. Retaining an industrial and organizational psychologist can assist your organization in achieving these goals.

 List of Mission Statements:

·      Mayo Clinic

• Mission Statement: "To inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being by providing the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice, education, and research."

·      Cleveland Clinic

• Mission Statement: "To provide better care of the sick, investigation into their problems, and further education of those who serve."

·      Johns Hopkins Hospital

• Mission Statement: "To improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence in medical education, research, and clinical care."

·      Massachusetts General Hospital

• Mission Statement: "Guided by the needs of our patients and their families, we aim to deliver the very best healthcare in a safe, compassionate environment; to advance that care through innovative research and education; and to improve the health and well-being of the diverse communities we serve."

·      NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

• Mission Statement: "To provide high-quality, compassionate care to all individuals and to advance medical knowledge through research and education."

·      UCLA Health (Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center)

• Mission Statement: "Deliver leading-edge patient care, research, and education."

·      Stanford Health Care

• Mission Statement: "To care, to educate, to discover."

·      Mount Sinai Health System

• Mission Statement: "We provide compassionate patient care with seamless coordination and to advance medicine through unrivaled education, research, and outreach in the many diverse communities we serve."

·      Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

• Mission Statement: "Cedars-Sinai is committed to improving the health status of the communities we serve through: Leadership and excellence in delivering quality healthcare services; Expanding the horizons of medical knowledge through biomedical research; Educating and training physicians and other healthcare professionals."

·      Houston Methodist Hospital

• Mission Statement: "We are a diverse, inclusive health care organization whose mission is to provide high quality, cost-effective health care that delivers value to the people we serve."

·      Geisinger Health

• Mission Statement: "To make better health easier for the communities we serve."

·      Kaiser Permanente

• Mission Statement: "To provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve."

·      University of Michigan Hospitals

• Mission Statement: "To advance health to serve Michigan and the world."

·      NYU Langone Health

• Mission Statement: "To serve, to teach, and to discover."

·      Duke University Health System

• Mission Statement: "To care for our patients, nourish our people, and help the planet."

·      Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

• Mission Statement: "To be the world leader in pediatric care, through our excellence in patient care, education, and research."

·      Texas Children's Hospital

• Mission Statement: "We create a healthier future for children and women throughout our global community by leading in patient care, education, and research."