Small hospital changes can make big healthcare impact

by Scott Kashman In April 2011, President Obama discussed his plan to curb the growth of healthcare costs. The framework called for $340 billion in cuts over 10 years and $480 billion by 2023 (including the proposals already included in the president's budget). Over the subsequent decade, the president's proposal will save more than $1 trillion by further bending the cost curve, doubling the savings from the Affordable Care Act. That plan called for increasing the amount of uninsured by 50 million people. Throughout my career, one thing remained constant: Our evolving and transforming healthcare industry. We could get ourselves really frustrated if we chase every headline. So the question is, what can you do to influence your organization's destiny? Several years ago I met with our leadership team. We discussed how we could leverage the knowledge we have within and across health systems. We would continue to improve our quality and safety efforts, enhance our patient experiences and reduce costs. We discussed how mine for ideas formally and informally. Certainly, formal ways need to exist to measure, manage and advance efforts. In my current organization we use Lean as our management system, and the framework of an optimal healing environment, as guiding principles. That challenge still remains: How can we informally and formally get those ideas from people closest to our patients? We use huddle boards, staff meetings and rounding which help. What do you do in your or...
Source: hospital impact - Category: Health Managers Authors: Source Type: blogs