Patient-Centered Healthcare: changing hospital management systems
Authors
Faith Espanola
15 July 2023
Healthcare is changing and action is required now. Ensuring high-quality patient care is more important than ever. Navigating the modern challenges and complexities of hospital management requires a keen understanding of both the micro and macro aspects of healthcare. Healthcare Leaders need to explore why quality in healthcare matters now more than ever, and why moving beyond traditional practices towards a more patient-centered approach is the way forward.
Key-takeaways
Quality healthcare is a necessity in the current medical scenario, with costs of poor care reaching billions annually.
Hospital management is facing modern challenges including integrating advanced technology, managing the workforce, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Patient-centered healthcare, involving patients in their care decisions, understanding their expectations, and prioritizing their comfort and safety, is the future of hospital management.
The Urgency of Quality in Healthcare: Why it Matters Now More Than Ever
The importance of quality in healthcare cannot be overstated. As per the OECD predicts that 10 percent of hospitalized patients can expect to acquire an infection during their stay. Moreover, comparing disparities between countries like Germany where 2.86 Billion euros [1] are placed annually in healthcare services and countries like Portugal with healthcare Budgets of 1.117 million Euros[2], other European countries like Sweden places lower budgets into more sophisticated healthcare systems where patient-centricity has been applied already for 2 decades, revealing an optimisation in patient-quality care. It is imperative for hospitals within the European continent to acquire the same standards if an European EHR exchange system would be ever possible to implement.
Quality-care varies between inpatients and outpatients. There is a need to improve both and some of the criteria would include:
Patient safety concerns:
Studies show that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S., after heart disease and cancer.
Evolving diseases:
With new diseases like COVID-19 emerging, the demand for high-quality healthcare is at an all-time high.
Population aging:
As the population ages, the demand for healthcare services increases, necessitating better quality care.
Technology adjustment: Studies show that hospitals and healthcare providers have a slight delay in adjusting new technology due to the overburden of regulation and the complexity of data modelling.
Staffing training and compensation: There is a shortage of nurses that is being hindered by legislation, and unfortunately, language. Furthermore the level of compensation of healthcare professionals, is a susceptible theme that has been causing major strikes in the last decades.
read more about improving patient pathways here.
Modern Challenges in Hospital Management: Grasping the Current Scenario
Hospital management is a multifaceted process, with challenges ranging from patient care, administration, staffing, to integrating advanced technology. Hospitals need to innovate now. Some pressing issues include:
Integration of technology:
As digital transformation shapes every industry, integrating a hospital management system that streamlines processes is a challenge.
Workforce management:
Maintaining a skilled, satisfied, and adequately staffed workforce is a continuous task.
Regulatory compliance:
Keeping abreast of and complying with ever-evolving healthcare regulations and standards.
Patient-Centered Healthcare: Moving Beyond Traditional Practices
Patient-centered care is the heart of modern healthcare management. A study by the Harvard Business Review indicates that hospitals with a patient-centered culture have 32% fewer medical errors. A shift to patient-centered care involves:
Involving patients in decision-making:
Empowering patients to take an active part in their healthcare decisions.
Understanding and meeting patient expectations:
Offering personalized care to enhance patient satisfaction.
Prioritizing patient comfort and safety:
Ensuring a comfortable environment and taking stringent measures for patient safety.
The 4 Pillars of Superior Healthcare Quality Management
Quality healthcare management is built upon four cornerstones, which are essential for patient experience and satisfaction. Hospitals need to focus among others:
Patient Safety: The Prime Pillar
In any healthcare setting, the patient's safety is paramount. According to a study by Johns Hopkins, medical errors cause over 250,000 deaths per year in the United States. It's crucial to:
Develop and implement safety protocols to minimize risk of errors.
Prioritize clear and efficient communication among healthcare teams.
Leverage technological solutions to track patient information and enhance safety.
Clinical Effectiveness: The Key to Best Outcomes
Clinical effectiveness refers to the application of the best knowledge, derived from research, clinical experience, and patient preferences to achieve optimal outcomes.
Evidence-based practices should guide healthcare decisions.
Regular training and education for healthcare professionals ensures up-to-date knowledge.
Quality measures and outcomes should be consistently tracked and reviewed.
Patient Satisfaction: Not Just a Metric, A Mission
A 2019 study found that high patient satisfaction was associated with lower readmission rates. Aspects that enhance patient satisfaction include:
Offering a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.
Ensuring short wait times and efficient service.
Effective communication by healthcare providers, empathetic care, and involving patients in decision-making processes.
Equity: The Bedrock of Fair and Effective Healthcare
Equity in healthcare ensures everyone has a fair opportunity to attain their full health potential. This includes:
Providing care that does not vary in quality due to personal characteristics like gender, ethnicity, geographic location, and socioeconomic status.
Addressing social determinants of health to eliminate disparities.
Implementing policies and interventions that promote healthcare equity.
Nowadays, modern techniques are reshaping hospital management. These include:
Data analytics:
Using predictive modeling, machine learning, and AI to inform decisions.
Telemedicine:
Providing care remotely, enhancing access, and reducing costs.
Patient portals:
Enhancing patient engagement and satisfaction with 24/7 access to health information.
Hospital Management Systems: Leveraging Technology for Seamless Care
Hospital Management Systems (HMS) have transformed the way healthcare facilities operate, offering benefits such as:
Streamlined operations: Reducing paperwork, automating processes, and saving time.
Enhanced patient care: Easing appointment scheduling, speeding up diagnoses, and facilitating communication.
Improved decision-making: Providing real-time data and reports to aid in informed decision-making.
Contact us to discuss how can techonolgy leverage your current organisation
7 Best Practices in Healthcare Quality Management
Building the Best Team: The Core of Quality Care
As the saying goes, a team is only as strong as its weakest link. It's essential to:
Recruit qualified, dedicated professionals passionate about patient care.
Promote ongoing learning and development opportunities.
Foster a supportive, collaborative work environment.
Data Analysis: Turning Information into Insight
Data-driven decisions are integral to quality management. To leverage data effectively:
Gather relevant data from various sources, including Electronic Health Records (EHRs), patient feedback, and healthcare analytics.
Regularly analyze and interpret the data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities.
Use data insights to drive quality improvements and strategic planning.
Creating a Successful Plan: The Blueprint of Quality Management
A robust plan forms the foundation of quality management. Key aspects to consider include:
Clearly define goals, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Allocate resources efficiently, including staff, budget, and technology.
Regularly review and adjust the plan as needed, based on performance data and feedback.
Collaborating with Other Organizations: Learning and Leading Together
Collaboration can foster innovation and improve performance. To achieve this:
Form alliances with other healthcare providers, academic institutions, and research organizations.
Share best practices and learn from each other's successes and challenges.
Jointly conduct research and quality improvement projects.
Setting Goals: Your Roadmap to Excellence
Goal setting provides a roadmap for your quality journey. To set effective goals:
Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Communicate goals clearly to all team members to ensure alignment.
Regularly monitor progress towards goals, and adjust as necessary.
Focusing on the Patient: The Heart of Healthcare
Putting patients first can transform the quality of care. To achieve this:
Seek and value patient feedback.
Tailor care to meet individual patient needs and preferences.
Enhance patient engagement through education and communication.
Constantly Updating Your Vision: The Drive to Innovate
Staying ahead of the curve is key to success in healthcare. This involves:
Keeping abreast of the latest research, best practices, and technological advances.
Being open to change and innovation.
Encouraging creativity and innovation within your team.
Taking Action: Implementing Management of Hospital Services for Superior Quality
Now that we've explored the strategies, it's time to put them into action. Remember, quality healthcare is a continuous journey, not a destination. With commitment, collaboration, and constant learning, you can transform the quality of care in your healthcare facility.
