Every healthcare organization can learn from Seattle Children's [Hospital] continuous improvement process, but this book is not an operator's manual. Instead, it is a challenge to everyone concerned with healthcare to reexamine deeply held assumptions. While it is commonly believed that improved quality, access, and safety, and an improved bottom line are mutually exclusive, Seattle Children's demonstrates that it is quite possible to realize all these improvements concurrently. Written by remarkable change agents from the front lines at Seattle Children's and other forward-thinking organizations, this bok discusses ways to transform key personnel into change agents and engage all staff in a patient-focused culture dedicated to eliminating waste and improving all aspects of quality and care. [from back cover]