The 4-h target: an example of destructive goal pursuit?
- Correspondence to Dr Richard David Hardern, Emergency Department, University Hospital of North Durham, North Road, Durham DH1 5TW, UK; richard.hardern{at}cddft.nhs.uk
- Accepted 14 February 2011
- Published Online First 21 March 2011
Abstract
Destructive goal pursuit (DGP) is the situation in which goal setting becomes dysfunctional, leading to impaired performance. This paper considers the 4-h target against the model of DGP and finds many similarities. It does not attempt to provide a critique of the model, nor does it seek to review all the effects of the 4-h target. The need for multiple goals, for all domains of quality to be addressed in these, and for a focus on effective team working and team learning are emphasised. Targets, in a way analogous to drugs or other ‘therapeutic’ interventions, have the potential to cause adverse effects as well as positive ones. A greater understanding will help ensure their overall impact is as beneficial as positive.
Footnotes
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Competing interests None.
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Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
