Strategic Leader's Handbook: Tips for Efficient Collaboration in Healthcare Management

In an effort to enhance patient care and streamline hospital operations, Newport Hospital has appointed Dr. Tenny Thomas as its new President and Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Thomas previously held the same position at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth.

One of the key focuses for Dr. Thomas in his new role will be improving patient flow within the hospital. This involves prioritizing services and aligning different departments to ensure clear and transparent information flow. For instance, if there is a shortage of technicians to provide imaging services in a timely manner, bringing in additional staff to meet the demand can significantly boost patient flow.

Harnessing data is another primary factor in improving patient flow. By recognizing bottlenecks within the system, resources can be invested in necessary areas to expedite patient care. This data-driven approach allows for the identification of areas that require attention and resources to ensure a smooth flow of patients throughout the hospital.

Promoting a just culture is also crucial in this endeavour. This culture emphasizes understanding the reasons behind errors, often due to process issues, and conducting root-cause analyses to modify processes as needed. It encourages a culture of openness and learning, where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for improvement rather than instances of blame.

In terms of patient safety, hospital-acquired infections can be decreased through the adoption of evidence-based practices. These practices include best practices for catheter-associated infections, central-line infections, and bed sores. Building a culture that supports quality and patient safety includes elements like checklists, a strong reporting culture, and daily or weekly reviews of incident reports.

To further support these initiatives, Dr. Thomas plans to create a multidisciplinary group to standardize operations within the hospital on a daily basis. This group will help prioritize care for patients who are going to be discharged, ensuring a smooth transition for these patients and freeing up resources for new admissions.

With Dr. Thomas's extensive experience in healthcare leadership and a focus on improving patient flow and safety, Newport Hospital is well-positioned to make significant strides in these areas in the coming months.

Strategic Leader's Handbook: Tips for Efficient Collaboration in Healthcare Management