Part 4: Diving Deeper into the Role of Processes in Promoting Connection
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by Rumaisa
Introduction to the Role of Processes in Healthcare
In Part 3, we discussed providers’ specific role in the power of connection, especially in fostering positive patient outcomes. In this article, we dive deeper into the role that processes play in the power of connection.
The Role of Processes in Healthcare
Processes in healthcare should effectively connect patients and providers in a positive way that promotes optimal care delivery and outcomes. Going back to the power of connection, processes must streamline connections so that providers can efficiently collaborate with one another. However, processes must also consider the tools that providers need to not only collaborate with one another, but to also collaborate with patients. This means that the overall goal of processes is to streamline collaboration and workflows so that healthcare staff can deliver efficient and quality patient care.
Furthermore, processes should strive to improve patient outcomes, typically by minimizing errors, reducing wait times, and increasing the quality of care [1]. This in turn will improve patient safety since adverse health effects for patients will be reduced. Additionally, although this may be overlooked, processes should help minimize the waste of hospital resources [1]. Consequently, this leads to lower costs for patients and also helps them get seen sooner [1].
Challenges in Healthcare Processes
Although processes play a crucial role in promoting the power of healthcare, some challenges can hinder how effective they are. For instance, healthcare systems are often complex and fragmented with multiple stakeholders, departments, and systems. Furthermore, each department or system may have its own guidelines and processes. This can make it hard to transfer data even within the same hospital system, hindering meaningful communication and collaboration. Furthermore, a lack of effective communication and management can make it hard for staff to embrace changes. This is often due to providers and even stakeholders being accustomed to a certain routine. Therefore healthcare systems need to promote a culture of continuous improvement.
Additionally, some processes may create more burden and stress for healthcare professionals, leading to high turnovers from burnout. This in turn can make healthcare professionals less inclined to collaborate with patients and each other. Therefore, it’s important to acknowledge the importance of workforce well-being and to consider their needs during the optimization process.
Streamlining Processes in Healthcare
The first step to streamlining processes so that they promote connection in healthcare is to identify which areas need improvement [2]. This means identifying bottlenecks, productivity issues, wasted resources, and inefficiencies in workflows [2]. Next, it’s important to consider the ways to bring automation and standardization into the workflow [2]. This can mean streamlining tasks regarding billing, scheduling, and even patient intake. As a result, this can make data collecting less burdensome for providers while also improving patient safety by preventing errors. Furthermore, since the power of connecting requires collaboration, processes must promote interdisciplinary relationships. This means that processes provide a comprehensive care approach through coordinated health plans [2]. This also means that they decrease any redundancies that may occur, and ensure that there are no gaps in care [2].
Furthermore, processes must continuously improve in meaningful ways so that providers and patients have better outcomes. This means that feedback must be taken from both patients and staff so that technologies can be developed as needed. Lastly, optimization typically requires effective training and professional development for healthcare staff [2]. Subsequently, this can reduce resistance to change and help staff feel more positive about fostering continuous improvement regarding their care delivery.
The Overall Importance of Processes in Improving Power of Connection
Although ineffective processes can hinder positive healthcare outcomes, overcoming these challenges promotes the power of connection. This means that there is a collective commitment to fostering meaningful connections between patients and providers. This in turn reduces burnout in providers and promotes positive patient outcomes. Therefore, processes in healthcare must streamline operations and facilitate seamless communication. As a result, this will promote healthcare systems that are not only efficient and effective but are also compassionate and human-centered.
HITS
HITS provides healthcare management services & works with doctors to develop health informatics tools that promote safe and secure care. We take pride in our services and settle for nothing other than 100% quality solutions for our clients. Having the right team assist with data sharing is crucial to encouraging collaborative and secure care. HITS also focuses on transforming health care by analyzing integrated medical solutions and evaluating information systems. Our goal is to enhance individual and population health outcomes, improve patient care, and strengthen the clinician-patient relationship.
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