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Intelligent Efficiency is Improving Every Component of the Care System
The biggest conversation today to enable healthcare
institutions to thrive tomorrow is ‘intelligent efficiency’.
This new narrative has been ignited by decades of efficiency and productivity discussion that is approached
from a linear, calculated standpoint. It had traditionally
taken a value-in/value-out perspective and a focus on
how each element contributed to a specific definition of
worth.
Now, healthcare leaders are being encouraged to view
efficiency as a process that improves every component
of the care system and uplifts every individual who interacts with that system. This is efficiency for all, where a
universal concept is creatively integrated into the DNA of
an operation and underpinned by data and analytics. The
overall result is that time is gained across the healthcare
spectrum to add value not only to the obvious metrics
but also behind the scenes.
For some institutions ‘intelligent efficiency’ is
becoming a reality as they strive for a state in which
quality care flows seamlessly and efficiently for providers
and patients, guided by relevant insights.
The lessons it can teach us all will be incredibly valuable for the progression of all healthcare collaboration
across national and international geographic borders
and across radiology, cardiology or oncology specialities
where we are all delicately chained together in a global
healthcare industry.
Integration of Technology, Data and the Human
The first core principle of intelligent efficiency is when technology, data and operations work together seamlessly to
create a self-reinforcing cycle that improves the lives of
everyone that touches it. This ethos prizes the smart integration of all elements that sees technologies rolled out as part
of an efficiency mosaic where benefits cascade throughout
the hospital or clinic.
An example of this can be found at Nuremberg Hospital in
Germany when it was experiencing increasing pressure from
payors to speed up reporting times for cardiology diagnostic
procedures. To resolve the issue, it conducted a full workflow analysis and connected all diagnostic modalities to a
single cardiology information system that could generate a
report to be made available to all relevant care providers. It
involved integration of a new technology solution plus extensive training and education for hospital teams.
The results delivered positive returns on the efforts of a
combined tech, data and human approach. Time to complete
cardiology cath lab reports decreased by 60% and quality
control compliance increased to 100%. The improved efficiency structure speaks to every element of the healthcare
organisation and delivered not only time savings but also
greater profitability.
Being Consumer- and Provider-Centric in Efficiency
The next key element vital to intelligent efficiency is recognising that every endeavour must simultaneously consider the needs of both patients and providers. This is being
consumer-centric and provider-centric.
To thrive in the new normal of global healthcare means
embracing the changing expectations of patients to
create a seamless experience. A move towards the
consumerisation of medicine and instant access to web
or mobile app-based information means that patients
now demand the same type of service and convenience
they gain in other aspects of their lives. Indeed, data
suggests that in 2019 patient satisfaction in the UK
National Health Service (NHS) fell to its lowest level in a
decade.
On the provider side, 2019 studies showing physician
burnout at over 40% should now be amplified following
two waves of coronavirus pandemic shattering workforces throughout 2020. So, the application of efficiency-led innovation should also take into account the
needs of the physician, nurse or technologist they serve. Healthcare workforce morale and satisfaction will be
encouraged by improved patient satisfaction and their
physical resourcing assisted by a helping technological
hand.
A great example of this is at the century-old American
Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. The cardiology department
revamped its IT systems to automate the cath lab and
echo workflow. It eliminated the need for manual entry
of some patient information, worksheets and transcription, which reduced the turnaround times for anxious
patients. But even more importantly, it was able to virtually eliminate error-prone manual processes. This illustrated an improvement in system and process for the
patient at the same time as lifting the spirits of the
team working in the department daily.
Holistic Efficiency in Contrast to Ad Hoc, Quick Wins
The third principle of intelligent efficiency is about taking a
comprehensive approach to tackling the major issues facing
healthcare by involving all relevant stakeholders at the same
time. The theory behind this is that an ad hoc approach
often solves one problem but can create others. In other
words, avoid dipping your toes in the water of innovation
in an attempt to ripple the waters of efficiency, but do
jump in with a splash.
An example is the USA’s Oregon Health and Science
University (OHSU) adoption of a real-time care system
to paint a comprehensive picture of patient status and
prioritise attention on the most critical cases. This
addressed major issues of multiple stakeholders, in
contrast to a haphazard or staged ad hoc approach.
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic it helped the
hospital operate more efficiently by enabling specialists in a central location to provide clinical support to
bedside teams caring for patients in multiple Intensive
Care Units (ICUs).
The system at OHSU improved all efficiencies in care
delivery by allowing critical care experts to remotely
oversee patients’ vital clinical data and best practice
standards in near real time. It allowed for better visibility into ICU bed access for those in need of intensive care, better data collection and monitoring for individual patients. This, in turn, delivered greater satisfaction for providers who found it easier to fulfil the delivery
of high-quality patient care, and a more efficient distribution of hospital beds across the system.
A Shared Global Health Experience
Whilst there may be many different health systems
around the world with differing structures, cultures and
at different stages of technological evolution, the one
thing they have all had in common this year is a shared
infectious disease emergency. The pandemic is still
delivering millions of tragic outcomes; however, it has
also opened the door to new thinking and a willingness
to be intelligently guided by data, experience and clinical
best practices that together will pave the efficient path
to a future of outcome-driven patient care.
Our intertwined experience this year has cast new light
on the big conversations about efficiency. It will continue
to fuel dialogue on the benefits of sharing all experience
bringing intelligently efficient solutions to unlock better
outcomes and experience of care