'Today's culture does not always promote person-centered care,' says NxStage Medical's Dr. Michael Kraus — 3 questions

In this special Speaker Series, Becker's Healthcare caught up with Michael Kraus, MD, senior medical advisor and associate chief medical officer at NxStage Medical, and professor of clinical medicine at Bloomington- based Indiana University.

Dr. Kraus will speak on a panel during the Becker's Hospital Review 4th Annual Health IT + Revenue Cycle Conference titled "Ensuring ROI, Improving Physician Satisfaction and More," at 3:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. Learn more about the event and register to attend in Chicago.

Question: How does your organization gain physician buy-in when it is implementing a new technology or solution? 

Dr. Michael Kraus: Physician buy-in for new technology is a double-edged sword. First, it is best to understand and vet the technology as much as possible before implementing. As a physician and leader, I try to be the first to roll out the change, and then, I can discuss [it] frankly with my faculty. It is best to understand the limitations as well as the possibilities. [You] need to be sincere with timelines and its effect on busy physician schedules, [and] plan to slow (sic) clinics with large changes, get feedback and be responsive. Most importantly, do not over promise or underestimate the time it will take to implement.

Q: What is the No. 1 thing you wish you knew before taking a leadership post at your organization?

MK: I find leadership training [to be] invaluable. I certainly could have used more, although I participated when it was made available. I wish the MD-MBA program was available earlier in my career. An MBA from a good program would be useful.

Q: What's one conviction in healthcare that needs to be challenged? 

MK: We need to challenge culture. As leaders [in the] industry, we need to help physicians adapt to better [ways of improving] patient care. I am a strong believer in more frequent home dialysis and better transitions of healthcare to patients who develop [end-stage renal disease]. Today's culture does not always promote person-centered care, but I look forward to improving care and reducing costs to this segment of healthcare.

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