What is the main purpose of an emergency department's mission statement?

The main purpose of an emergency department's mission statement is to outline the department's goals, values, and commitment to patient care. A well-crafted mission statement serves as a guiding principle for the organization, communicating its purpose and direction both internally to staff and externally to patients and the community. It emphasizes the department's dedication to providing high-quality care, ensuring patient safety, and promoting a compassionate environment. This alignment with core values helps to foster a culture of excellence and can motivate staff in their daily work, resulting in improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. By prioritizing the department's goals and values, the mission statement establishes a clear framework for decision-making and operational focus.

While aspects like history, regulatory compliance, and attracting staff are important, they are not the primary objective of a mission statement. Instead, those elements support the broader mission set forth in the statement itself.