Watch: Then answer the following questions in 250-350 words. In this video, Eric Dishman talks about his experience with different types of health care and where he feels improvements needs to be made in healthcare. What problems does Dishman identify in healthcare? Do you feel that these are issues you have seen in your experience? In your opinion what is the best method for process improvement of these issues? Purchase the answer to view it
Eric Dishman identifies several problems in healthcare in his talk, emphasizing the need for improvements in the system. One of the issues he highlights is the fragmented nature of healthcare, where patients often receive care from multiple providers and have to navigate through different systems. He argues that this fragmentation leads to a lack of coordination and communication between providers, resulting in inefficiencies and errors in care. Dishman also notes the lack of patient-centeredness in healthcare, with patients often feeling like passive recipients rather than active participants in their own healthcare decisions.
Another problem Dishman identifies is the focus on acute care rather than proactive, preventive care. He argues that healthcare should shift towards a more proactive approach, where early intervention and preventive measures are prioritized to prevent costly and debilitating chronic diseases. Dishman believes that by addressing these problems, healthcare can become more efficient, cost-effective, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients.
In my experience, I have seen some of these issues in healthcare. The fragmented nature of care is particularly prevalent, with patients having to navigate through multiple providers, each with their own electronic health record system. This lack of coordination between providers can result in gaps in care, duplicate tests and procedures, and increased healthcare costs. Additionally, the lack of patient-centeredness can sometimes lead to a disconnect between the healthcare provider and the patient’s values and preferences. This can result in a lack of shared decision-making and suboptimal healthcare outcomes.
I believe that the best method for process improvement in healthcare is adopting a systems thinking approach. This involves recognizing that healthcare is a complex system with multiple interconnected parts, and that changes in one area can have ripple effects across the entire system. By taking a holistic view, healthcare organizations can identify the root causes of inefficiencies and errors and implement targeted interventions to address them.
One example of a process improvement method that can be used is Lean Six Sigma. This approach combines the principles of Lean, which focuses on eliminating waste and improving efficiency, with Six Sigma, which aims to reduce variation and improve quality. Lean Six Sigma uses data-driven approaches to identify bottlenecks, streamline processes, and eliminate defects. By applying this methodology to healthcare, organizations can identify and eliminate waste, reduce errors and variability, and improve the overall quality of care.
Another method for process improvement is the use of technology and innovation. Technology has the potential to streamline care delivery, improve communication and coordination between providers, and enhance patient engagement. For example, electronic health records (EHRs) can help facilitate the sharing of patient information across different providers, reducing the need for duplicate tests and procedures. Telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies can enable patients to access care more conveniently, particularly for those in rural or underserved areas. Additionally, tools such as mobile applications and wearables can empower patients to actively manage their own health and make informed decisions.
In conclusion, Eric Dishman identifies several problems in healthcare, including fragmentation, lack of patient-centeredness, and a focus on acute care. These issues resonate with my own experiences in healthcare. Adopting a systems thinking approach and utilizing methods such as Lean Six Sigma and technology innovation can be effective strategies for process improvement in healthcare. By addressing these problems and implementing targeted interventions, healthcare organizations can strive towards a more efficient, patient-centered, and proactive healthcare system.