Think small for big patient experience results

by Jason A. Wolf I am inspired. No, not by the great "collaborative" achievements of the United States Congress. Not even by the growing willingness among previously competing healthcare organizations to share ideas for improvement, as now value trumps volume, quality trumps productivity, and experience drives real dollars. I have found my inspiration in those who are thinking small to make big improvements and have significant impact. I have seen something happening that may get overlooked in the chaotic healthcare environment. In recognizing that "with experience, what matters most may very well be the littlest things," my inspiration comes from the efforts of individuals, teams and units willing to do more, try new ideas, research new practices or processes, and share what they find. At Georgia Regents Health System's seventh annual Patient and Family Centered Care Conference last week, I was privy to this power of small ideas having a big impact. In an organization built on quality care, solid education and cutting edge research, another element was evident--the powerful voices of patient advisors. More than 200 individuals give their time to the system on committees, boards and projects to help improve the care experience for all. Most of these are not sweeping strategic efforts, but direct decisions to make a change and make a difference. For example, an active core of advisors reignited energy for a ceremony to recognize individuals identified as "Americas T...
Source: hospital impact - Category: Health Managers Authors: Source Type: blogs