PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE - A FRAMEWORK FOR TRANSITION TO A NEW CULTURE

The reorganization of healthcare systems has largely focused on the re design of clinical management structures with little emphasis on the s ystems that are essential to support professional practice and quality of care. This article describes the unique process of designing a fra mework that clearly articulates the essential elements of professional practice. The framework was crucial in clarifying accountabilities an d role relationships between the clinical management and professional practice structures in the design and implementation of a major reorga nization at Toronto East General Hospital, a 400 bed community teachin g hospital in Toronto, Canada.