The “oughts” are finally behind us. I don’t think we will miss them that much.
But now is the time for a fresh attitude when it comes to healthcare.
Here are three thoughts for those in the business of healthcare:
1. Healthcare reform is accomplished. Not what I would have done. Not the right payment reform. The cost curve has been bent, but probably up and not down. But it is over. No longer is it a problem to be solved, but a situation to live with. All energy now should be directed toward learning how we can provide healthcare under the new rules.
2. Optimistic leadership with a realistic understanding of the environment will be a key to success. Most of us who went into healthcare did it for the right reasons. Hospital leadership needs to show employees how their individual goals and aspirations can be met with a new set of organizational goals and structures.
3. All healthcare is delivered locally. Start doing what is important for your community. Most of us know that we can provide better healthcare for less. Start doing it now. Stop waiting for someone else to mandate it or to force your hand. Be a leader and lead by example!
Ed Howe blogs regularly at Action for Better Healthcare.