“It only takes 10 minutes of direct observation of a nurse in a hospital to understand care-delivery processes are not standardized and are dependent on individuals, not systems. This lack of reproducibility leads to errors.”
This was from an article in Harvard Business Review in 2018. That was pre-Covid era and the challenges for healthcare providers and professionals have increased.
In this article, we discover why process for healthcare could be the biggest cure in 2024.
The 3 biggest challenges for healthcare in 2024
1. Recruiting and training healthcare professionals
According to a study by Robert Half, 89% of healthcare managers are struggling to find new talent.
The healthcare industry faces a critical shortage of professionals who often leave the profession entirely, due to burnout and dissatisfaction with working conditions.
A third of AmericansThis link will open in a new tab. lack a primary care physician, and 80% of physiciansThis link will open in a new tab. say they are overextended.
This has grave implications for healthcare delivery and patient care as it takes time to build knowledge with newcomers.
2. Optimizing clinical workflows
Clinicians and staff need access to actionable information at the point of care in the right moment.
Nearly half of the clinicians responding to a KLAS survey said that their Electronic Health Record (EHR) system loads too slowly. EHRs and integrated technologies need to make the best use of clinician time and efforts.
3. Keeping up with advances in science and legal compliance
As Deloitte notes, breakthroughs in digital medicine, gene therapy, nanomedicine, mRNA research, and other emerging areas are happening at an “unprecedented and exponential” rate.
And that’s not the only updated information to contend with.
New laws and regulations, both at the federal and state levels, are being introduced, amended, or repealed, posing a formidable challenge for healthcare providers. These compliance requirements often aren’t adhered to across the board because of a lack of information and awareness.
And of course, AI
Processes could be the cure for healthcare
In healthcare, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and processes are critical to ensuring patient safety and providing consistent, high-quality care. They could in fact be the unexplored cure to some of the challenges facing the healthcare industry.
Here are a few reasons that process for healthcare addresses the current challenges facing the industry;
- Ramps up new medical personnel faster
- Delivers knowledge in the moment of need
- Ensures up-to-date information
All of this promotes;
Efficiency:
Healthcare processes help streamline workflows, making sure that tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner. This efficiency is essential for handling patient care promptly and managing resources effectively.
Quality of Care:
Standardized processes ensure consistency in the delivery of healthcare services. By following established protocols and guidelines, healthcare providers can maintain a high standard of care, reducing the likelihood of errors or omissions that could harm patients.
Patient Safety:
Processes help mitigate risks and ensure patient safety by enforcing protocols for medication administration, infection control, and other critical aspects of healthcare delivery. Adhering to standardized procedures reduces the chances of adverse events or medical errors.
Coordination and Collaboration:
In complex healthcare settings involving multiple healthcare professionals and departments, well-defined processes facilitate coordination and collaboration. Clear communication channels and established workflows enable different team members to work together seamlessly for the benefit of the patient.
Compliance and Regulations:
Healthcare processes often incorporate legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring that healthcare organizations operate within the boundaries of applicable laws and standards. Compliance with regulations helps avoid legal issues and promotes ethical practices and accountability.
Resource Optimization:
Effective processes help optimize the allocation of resources such as personnel, equipment, and facilities. By identifying inefficiencies and streamlining workflows, healthcare organizations can make the most of their resources, ultimately improving the overall delivery of care.
Overall, processes play a fundamental role in ensuring that healthcare services are delivered efficiently, safely, and in accordance with established standards and regulations, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.
Process software for healthcare
Lack of resources, variability in patient needs, and complexity may make it difficult to create, review, and improve processes.
But technology, specifically SOP and process software, may make a world of difference.
1. Capture and automate processes effortlessly
Whale helps create process flows and other manuals easily by automatically capturing your screen as you go about your process.
Alternatively simply use one of the templates created.
2. Share information in the moment of need
Whale will not only help you document processes in no time, but you can automatically store and share processes, enabling healthcare providers and admins to collaborate on healthcare processes.
This is available on mobile app and tablet too!
3. Automated review
Concerned about processes becoming outdated? Simply set automated review intervals on Whale and your teams will be notified when it’s time to update information.
Examples of SOPs for healthcare?
In the face of the anticipated challenges within health systems in 2024, the development and refinement of processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be critical for maintaining operational efficiency and resilience.
Here are a few examples
Enhancing patient care and efficiency:
- Streamlining patient intake processes: Implementing efficient registration and onboarding processes can enhance patient experience and loyalty.
Workforce Shortages:
- Optimizing staffing procedures: Developing SOPs for flexible staffing arrangements, including cross-training protocols and telemedicine support, can help alleviate workforce shortages during peak demand periods.
- Talent retention strategies: Implementing SOPs for mentorship programs, career development pathways, and employee wellness initiatives can enhance staff satisfaction and retention.
Demands for New Capabilities:
- SOPs for technology adoption: Establishing guidelines for the evaluation, implementation, and training of new technologies ensures smooth integration and maximizes the benefits of innovation.
Resilience and Efficiency:
- Lean process optimization: Applying lean principles to healthcare operations helps eliminate waste, streamline workflows, and improve overall efficiency, enabling organizations to do more with limited resources.
Multilevel Approach to Growth:
- Cross-functional collaboration SOPs: Facilitating collaboration between departments and disciplines through standardized communication protocols and project management frameworks fosters innovation and growth.
Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of processes over time can optimize efficiency and even ensure the retention of top talent.
Bottom line?
Health systems may face a challenging year ahead in 2024, with increasing competition from nontraditional players, workforce shortages, and demands for new capabilities. However, these challenges also present opportunities for leaders to focus on resilience, find efficiencies, and take a multilevel approach to growth. (McKinsey)
Process for healthcare could be the biggest cure and represents the perfect opportunity for improvement.
Want to adopt process in your healthcare practice?
Want to know more? Check out;
- Everything there is to know about SOP and Process Documentation
- Grab one of our templates
Or simply get started today with a free account.
