Five Takeaways

Beyond Appearance: How The Clinical Environment Affects Value-based Care

As providers evolve to meet the demands of value-based care, it’s more important than ever that they connect processes, equipment and caregivers to ensure patient care is efficient and error-free. During a Sept. 19 webinar, experts discussed simple steps that health systems can take to provide a foundation for success under the Quadruple Aim.

The webinar was led by Dr. Tom Schwieterman, CMO and vice president of clinical affairs at Midmark Corp., and Roger Gruneisen, manager of consulting at Versus Technology. The entire webinar can be accessed at www.modernhealthcare.com/BeyondAppearance.

The Connected Point-of-Care Ecosystem lays a strong foundation for value-based care

A Connected Point-of-Care Ecosystem integrates processes, equipment and caregivers to create a seamless, wellcoordinated patient and provider experience that positively impacts clinical outcomes. Providers shouldn’t underestimate the significance of exam room design and technology in enabling providers to be efficient and accurate. By investing in technology that improves data, advances care management and eases provider workflows, leaders can ensure providers are equipped to meet new requirements and protocols.

Improvements at the point-of-care can combat physician burnout

The adjustment to value-based care initiatives like MACRA hasn’t been easy for physicians, leading to an increase in early retirement and a decrease in provider satisfaction. As with other new requirements, many physicians feel it constitutes a burden. If healthcare organizations can make it easier for physicians to comply, they may be able to stem the tide of burnout.

Better equipment and processes can reduce costs

When equipment allows for seamless documentation in the electronic healthrecord, providers are more efficient and less prone to errors. Organizations that automate the vitals acquisition process, for example, are less likely to make dangerous mistakes that can occur when clinicians manually type them into the EHR. When equipment allows for documentation to be performed in the exam room instead of at stations in the hallway, providers can take more accurate patient notes and move more quickly from patient to patient.

Invest in technology that creates a better patient experience

Consumers have become increasingly selective in where they spend their healthcare dollars, so providers need to pay close attention to the patient experience. Patients who experience long wait times or bad customer service are less likely to be return customers. Providers should consider investing in Real-Time Locating Systems, which can help track both patients and devices, and alert administrators when a patient has been waiting too long to be seen by a physician.

A Connected Point-of-Care Ecosystem contributes toward the Quadruple Aim

All of the above best practices contribute to the Quadruple Aim – reduced costs, improved outcomes and higher satisfaction among both patients and providers. Equipment and technology shouldn’t be an impediment to care – it should be an augmenting force in perfecting care. Performance is strengthened when healthcare organizations let doctors be doctors. When workflows, devices and people are connected, the administrative burden on physicians is lessened, and they’re better positioned to achieve these critical goals.