Since as of this post, there's no one else I can reply to, I think I'll try to stir up some discussions under here!
One of the big things that struck out to me in the article was the use of Information Technology in the clinics. The use of a software called MyChart allowed patients who signed up to immediate manage all of their information and to edit it as they saw fit, allowing physician's a chance to go over it before they saw the patient. This, coupled with MyPractice, created an easy way of sharing information between the Clinic and it's patients.
In terms of IT, what other softwares or kiosks could a clinic potentially use to improve the patient care experience? Eliminating paper work and making everything digital is a good start as long as the data can't be compromised, but where do you go from there to continue innovating?
Although most clinics already use an electrical system for appointments, many places could use an upgrade in this department. Checking in patients, gathering information for average times per patient depending on factors such as age, disease, and doctor, could help create a more efficient patient flow, leading to severely reduced wait times (Ever had an appointment for 1pm that didn't even start until 2:30pm? I see room for improvement there).
Hey Benjamin,
ReplyDeleteThis was a great way to start a discussion. Cleveland Clinic may not be the best example to generalize the rest of clinics around the country because of their budget and revenue that allows them to use and incorporate more technology within clinics.
Technology's increase in clinics seem to be the little things that we don't necessarily think about. For an example, in 2017 the cleveland clinic said, "I think the industry as a whole has come to the conclusion that one of the most effective ways to create a sustainable health care industry in the future is to take a more comprehensive approach to patient care, to care management," said Kevin Sears, executive director of Cleveland Clinic Market & Network Services.
This was after they teamed up with an insurance company to provide more health plans for the patients. Technology can be incorporated in many ways but I think it depends on the type of clinic/patients to be able to invest the right kind of technology per place.
Hey Ben,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your discussion post about the Cleveland Clinic. I thought it was interesting that you said "In terms of IT, what other softwares or kiosks could a clinic potentially use to improve the patient care experience? Eliminating paper work and making everything digital is a good start as long as the data can't be compromised, but where do you go from there to continue innovating?". One way to continue innovating is by analyzing the digital records across the hospital. For example, one company called ORHub, is doing just this. They provide hospitals with their system (ORHub) and it stores all medical data from all departments. Then, ORHub goes into the large data sets to see where the hospital can cut costs or improve upon current procedures / processes. You can check out their website at www.orhub.com
This is extremely interesting, thank you for bringing this to my attention. As Dr. Weisband said, it seems more as a tool not for the patients. But looking at innovation, these softwares can be re-purposed for the patient.
DeleteI looked at ORHub. The focus, of course is in the Operating Room and getting everyone to sign off and verify (not patients that I saw). ORs are complex systems where a myriad of complications can occur. It has the same idea of a kiosk; it's the interface and checklists that create the benefits.
ReplyDeleteI see the kiosk as a way to around the long wait times, and maybe Cleveland Clinic, with a focus on a comprehensive patient care may be considering this as well. Another question: How has Cleveland Clinic improved the patient experience as patients check in for an appointment? Of course, not all hospitals and clinics follow this model, but should they?