Charting the new course in the necessary evolution of healthcare
To manage the evolving landscape in the healthcare industry, it’s crucial to explore technological, cultural, and consumer-driven shifts and changes.
Healthcare operations seems to be an area of the industry that is ripe for disruption. Although many of us have felt this over the last many years, it took the pandemic to shine a bright unrelenting light on the need to change the operations of health and care to better serve its key stakeholders being the care givers and patients.
Mitchell Josephson, CEO for Health Data Management sat down with executive leaders from symplr to better understand the forces changing healthcare operations. With recent research at the center of the ROUNDtable discussion, the group discussed misalignments that exist today between clinical, operational and digital leaders, and what they together can do today to move toward an environment where the operations of a health system enhance the human aspect of care. Here at the intersection of technology, culture and consumer demands, understanding the future trajectory of this vital industry is more critical than ever.
Here are the top 10 themes that surfaced during the discussion. For more insights, we encourage you to watch the roundtable.
1. Envisioning healthcare's future: A 30-year perspective
At the heart of the dialogue was a contemplation about healthcare's future. One poignant moment was Mitchell Josephson's reflection on a mentor's disenchantment with the current state of healthcare, prompting a deeper exploration into what the next 30 years might hold. This introspection serves as a catalyst for examining the present and future trajectories of healthcare.
2. Technology as a beacon of hope
Kristin Russel, chief marketing officer for symplr, highlighted technology's transformative potential in healthcare. Emphasizing the "immense opportunity" it presents, she pointed out the incremental victories achieved through technological interventions in areas like staffing shortages and provider data management.
3. The rise of consumer-led transformation
Brian Fugere, chief product officer for symplr, identified a consumer-led transformation, spurred by initiatives like the No Surprises Act. This movement towards transparency and empowerment of consumers is poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery.
4. The path towards consolidation and standardization
The panel highlighted the ongoing wave of consolidation in healthcare operations. Fugere spoke about simplifying the administrative burden by reducing the number of disparate solutions, thus streamlining operations.
5. The human element: People and relationships at healthcare's core
Nicole Rogas, president of symplr, emphasized the centrality of people in healthcare. Highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with mission-driven individuals, she touched on the human aspect of healthcare which moves beyond mission and reaches toward passion and embraces the criticality of caregiving. Of which often gets overshadowed by technological and operational discussions.
6. Building a culture of trust and vulnerability in healthcare leadership
The conversation shifted towards the cultural dynamics within healthcare organizations. Fugere shared insights into the successful implementation of vulnerability-based trust among executive teams, underscoring the importance of cohesive leadership in navigating the complex healthcare environment.
7. Decision making and trust: The need for speed and confidence
Russel discussed the necessity of rapid decision-making and the role of trust in healthcare operations. This approach enables swift and confident decisions, essential in an industry where time is often of the essence.
8. Addressing system inefficiencies and technological challenges
Rogas brought to light the challenges posed by technological inefficiencies and system complexities. She advocated for addressing specific problems through connected technology, such as required documentation and licensure efforts that could be streamlined. Thus, giving more time back to the clinicians whose central focus is to be with patients, not to be at a desk doing administrative tasks.
9. Bridging the IT-clinical divide
A key theme was the disconnect between IT and clinical teams that surfaced in a recent Compass Survey. Russel pointed out the extent of disparities in priorities and challenges faced by these two critical stakeholders of the healthcare system that create barriers to evolving healthcare.
10. Enhancing healthcare operations through customer engagement
Finally, Rogas discussed the importance of engaging with customers to understand and address their needs effectively. This approach is fundamental in aligning operations with customer expectations and improving the overall healthcare experience.