Healthcare Flywheel & The Five Pillars of Excellence

The Studer model begins with the healthcare flywheel which is utilized to show the interconnections of the 3 P's that both develop and maintain practices (Spaulding et al., 2010b).

(Studer Group Australia, 2023)

(Spaulding et al., 2010b)

For individuals within an organization the 3 P's are reflected in self-motivation aspects such as finding purpose, fulfillment, and meaningfulness in one's work; something that is generally personified by all nursing professionals (Spaulding et al., 2010b). At an organizational level, the 3 P's encompass standard work processes, organizational culture, and overall goals (Spaulding et al., 2010b). 

As behaviours and values begin to align to these concepts, both in individuals and organizations, the hardwiring process moves forward and reduces the risk of reverting to previous measures (Spaulding et al., 2010b). 


Within the Studer approach to organizational change, passion is guided by the nine principles while the measurable change is found within the five pillars results (Spaulding et al., 2010b). 

(Spaulding et al., 2010a)

The Five Pillars of Excellence

The five pillars, a second aspect of the Studer Model encompass: people, service, quality, growth, and finance help to pinpoint needed areas of improvement as well as assist in aligning strategic objectives within an organization (Spaulding et al., 2010b). Overall, the five pillars assist in providing alignment among sectors of the organization and provides accountable direction in processes including policies and both large and small scale changes (Seneca County Health District, 2023; Spaulding et al., 2010b). 

Areas identified within the five pillars as requiring change action are utilized for organizational and team goal setting, communication, leadership development, and reporting results (Spaulding et al., 2010b). Goal setting and evaluation at all levels within the organization is an ongoing process that is part of organizational accountability and staff development (Spaulding et al., 2010b). The intent is to consistently re-evaluate through the change process as outlined within The Nine Principles Framework and is a large part of the Studer approach to change (Spaulding et al., 2010b).  

Actions that align with the The Nine Principles Framework create continued momentum of the flywheel at all levels of the organization, thus allowing the organization to continue to develop and maintain accountability to the planned change process (Spaulding et al., 2010b). 

How the Healthcare Flywheel Relates to The Nine Principles & Pillar Results

The Healthcare Flywheel creates interest and momentum for change by utilizing impassioned employees to take action that is guided by reflection of organizational practices in relation to The Nine Principle Framework (Matson, 2019). The resulting reflection then creates a map to achieve goals related to The Five Pillars which are the foundation of direction and operation in the healthcare setting (Matson, 2019). 

The Nine Principles, which incorporate the action stage of this model will be discussed next. 

(Studer Group, 2023b)

(Studer Group, 2023d)