A Shift to Physician Engagement: Data at the crux of a long-awaited, revolutionary paradigm

For decades, leaders of hospitals and health care systems across the U.S. have speculated on the myriad benefits of a collaboration between physicians and supply chain. While many have strove for such a partnership, combative cultural barriers have consistently made the implementation of physician engagement (PE) difficult, if not impossible, at most organizations.

Yet, Advocate Aurora Health, Milwaukee, Wis., has proven that bridging the cultural gap is not only possible, but a certainty via the execution of several key factors, the most important of which is accurate data analytics. What’s resulted is millions of dollars in savings, quantifiable improvements in patient care quality and a multi-departmental collaboration with increasing solidarity.

Bruce Radcliff, M.B.A., Vice President Strategic Sourcing, Advocate Aurora, whose team is responsible for initiating the PE paradigm, stresses the importance of using data as the primary, universal language when approaching physicians. “Without data, the conversation stops,” he says, emphasizing the importance of transparency as a catalyst to gain the trust of both physicians and administrators.

But, compiling accurate, comprehensive data is no small task, which is why Radcliff utilizes technology that integrates Advocate Aurora’s electronic health record, materials management system and operating room information system — augmentation that has proven to be an integral aspect to his team’s success. Visit ModernHealthcare.com/Perspectives_HIQ to read how Radcliff and other leaders are harnessing the power of data transparency to have more meaningful conversations with physicians.

Healthcare IQ provides innovative technology that supports data management challenges in healthcare. By connecting and normalizing disparate materials, clinical and financial data, the company’s array of technological products enable hospitals and health systems to reduce complexity, collaborate more effectively, and reduce cost, all while improving patient care and operational efficiencies.

“The quandary in which physicians find themselves, including increased pressure from administration, is pushing doctors to realize the logic of supply chain, lending some momentum to physician engagement.”