teams to lead themselves with shared simple rules and deep mutual purposes . Rather than a system of increasingly ratcheted regulation , creating a small series of individual successes and growth patterns will create the big healthcare changes we seek .
Think Global , Act Local
Perhaps then , given health care ’ s increasing need for improved metrics and reporting , ideas like “ self-government ” and “ think global but act local ” seem antithetical or even a fantasy . However , the feelings of powerlessness that many physicians feel , coupled with the increasing shifts in workload , policy , and dynamic , it is increasingly important for them to re-evaluate that which they can directly control and see the big door that the small hinge can swing . In some cynical kind of way , physicians are powerless to the outside changes affecting healthcare . When they take their efforts inward to their practices , they will surely find that the big changes demanded by the global health community can start right in their practice .
Your Team , Your Rules
Every practice is different . From the size of the staff to the demographics of the patient base , there are nuances and factors that affect every practice differently . As such , it is essential for physicians to establish team cohesion as best defined by the standards and factors of their particular practice in addition to large scale “ top-down ” mandates .
Well-defined , shared simple team rules go a long way in establishing a unified work approach and helping productivity across the board . Obviously , the specific practices and goals of each team will vary , but by consciously developing a team-leading approach that is decidedly local , physicians ensure a measurable campaign with which to roll out more global productivity and efficiency goals . It is a move that often results in higher morale , solid cohesion , and clear communication . Then the productivity stats follow .
The Healer Must be Healed
It is a well-worn expression , but it is far from trite . If physicians are the tool that facilitates good health for patients and the world at large , then they must constantly be in their best shape , both physically and mentally to do it . Physicians should take a proactive approach to their personal health , not just in terms of diet , exercise , and internal workings but also in the work-life balance model . Physicians who take time away from medicine at appropriate times , to recharge and heal , are better physicians in the long run . Physician burnout is an all too common ailment that comes on without much warning . It is hard to detect and has far-reaching complications on one ’ s ability to practice . An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure , and a proactive approach to physician ’ s personal health will keep physicians strong and versatile , able to roll with the many punches enacted by outside policy and circumstance .
Not All Software is Created Equal
“ If we are to harness the full potential of those professionals touching patients , our top-down mindset won ’ t cut it .”
“ To Make Big Health Care Changes , Think Small .”
Stephen Beeson , MD
One cottage industry surrounding the rise of increased health care metrics are the various data encryption services and electronic health record software marketed to medical practices . Obviously , in 2017 NOT using electronic software is a luddite liability , but practices would be smart to keep their software updated on their terms and not feel pressure to adopt “ popular ” software just because it is pitched to them . Some small practices may find that the increased variables and complexity of certain software may not suit their practice as well as a smaller , simpler program with less versatility but more long term stability .
Additionally , implementing new software can present holdups in a practice ' s workflow as staff must be trained on its various processes and protocols , often having to re-learn a whole new system . While it is important for security reasons to keep software updated , constantly changing software , or updating to the new hot program foisted on practices at the time , presents hold ups and hijacks productivity that ( ironically ) complicate the process that the software purports to streamline .
Ultimately , the complicated “ outside ” forces that make health care a difficult landscape to traverse will not stop . It is realistic to assume such , not cynical . In that sense , why spend inordinate amounts of time and energy focusing on the volatilities of the modern health / business care puzzle ? Focusing inward , creating sufficient practices with self-sustaining goals and internal measurable successes will yield the same results with far less administrative headache .
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