Hospital and health system executives often feel like they are being pulled in multiple directions today, so where should they put most of their attention and effort?
At the Becker's Hospital Review 5th Annual Meeting in Chicago on May 16, renowned journalist Forrest Sawyer led a panel discussion about this topic with four healthcare leaders — Ruth Brinkley, CEO of KentuckyOne Health in Louisville; Laura Kaiser, executive vice president and COO of Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City; Stephen Mansfield, president and CEO of Methodist Health System in Dallas; and John Bardis, chairman, president and CEO of MedAssets.
Ms. Kaiser said there's undoubtedly a shift toward accountable, value-based care for defined populations, and that's what leaders have to focus on most today. "From our vantage point, we'd like to get to population health management sooner," Ms. Kaiser said. "That's what we're struggling with at Intermountain Healthcare. It'd be great to go a little faster to that new state."
Mr. Bardis agreed, saying institutions like Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente have already mastered the process. Other executives have to take note and find what gives those organizations a leg up. "If you look at models that have worked, there's a clear indication that protocol-driven care…is successful," Mr. Bardis said.
Ms. Brinkley said while getting to that state of population health management is the ultimate goal, it can't be accomplished along. Health systems have to gain complete buy-in from their employees, who need reassurance in an era of instability. "I believe first and foremost, it's about the culture," Ms. Brinkley said. "If you can't capture hearts and minds of people you're working with, you're not getting anywhere."
Mr. Sawyer then grilled the panelists with questions about food desserts and other socioeconomic challenges that millions of Americans face every day. Mr. Mansfield agreed that those issues need to be addressed, and sustainable, accountable care requires people and providers to work together to help each other.
"We won't change overnight. It's generational," Mr. Mansfield said. "You have to take a long-term view, but acknowledge that this is where America is not the best in the world."
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