1. Analyze
You must have heard “If you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it” well, you cannot deny it because proper management is all about analyzing and measuring the data and the outcomes. If you want to start a quality improvement process in your hospital then you would first have to observe everything and determine which department or opportunity requires improvement. After that, analyze the previous data and outcome and then start planning on its basis.
2. Come Up With a Team
A team including skilled members from various backgrounds would be highly effective as each of them would be aware of different types of issues and can help others to tackle it. Moreover, everyone would come up with a different idea and when they all would work together as a team, the goal could be achieved much easier. The team should, however, include a physician who can provide information regarding clinical, an IT expert to handle the computerized work, a manager who would be capable enough to complete the daily tasks and a leader to provide suggestions and supervise the whole team.
3. Set Goals
Track the data that you have just analyzed and plan according to it. Set some goals that are to be achieved in order to boost the improvement process. Brainstorm with the team members and set realistic and achievable goals.
For example, if the goal is to implement DICOM or PACS, it should not be delayed. You can search what is DICOM and more about it if the functions of it are unclear to you.
After knowing what is DICOM, free PACS software and other relevant stuff, search for a managed services provider that is reliable. And then implement it.
4. Support Ideas
No one’s idea should be neglected straight away in a rude manner as it could turn off the person for giving away more ideas. It is obvious that not every idea would be up to the mark or be suitable for the project but make sure that every idea is encouraged so that the members think much deeper and come up with something that might actually help.
5. Communicate
It is the most important thing in the entire process because miscommunication or non-communication can lead to serious troubles and damages. Imagine making a change in the plan but not communicating with the whole team about it so some of the members work according to the recent plan while some do according to the previous and only one that they know. Such a situation can create a big mess and to prevent yourself from getting stuck into the pool of a mess, communicate with your team as much as you can. Update them about any changes that are made, progress or hurdles that are in the way so that everyone gets prepared and plan a tackling strategy beforehand. Communication makes it a lot easier to accomplish the goals without bumping into so many troubles.
6. Get Other Staff Members Involved Too
The team is there to handle the major tasks but the staff members including interns and physicians should also be aware of what is going on in the healthcare center so that they contribute to the quality improvement process as well. When such goals are set to be achieved, everyone works in close association and complete dedication to accomplish the goals at any cost.
