Beyond the Hype: A Pragmatic Approach to Digital Transformation in Healthcare
Digital transformation in healthcare frequently enough promises sweeping changes, but lasting success hinges on a more grounded, people-centric approach. Brooke army Medical center’s CIO, Brooke Cordero, exemplifies this philosophy, demonstrating how strategic alignment, obvious communication, and clinical collaboration can deliver meaningful improvements without adding to the already significant burden of burnout among healthcare professionals. This article explores her strategies and offers actionable insights for any healthcare organization navigating the complexities of modern technology implementation.
The Challenge: Technology as a Burden, Not a Benefit
Too often, new technologies are presented as “magical solutions,” creating unrealistic expectations and ultimately leading to frustration. Cordero recognizes this pitfall. She understands that clinicians aren’t looking for dazzling innovations; they’re seeking tools that genuinely improve their daily workflow and, crucially, their work-life balance.
Consider a common scenario: patients struggling with EHR portal access. Cordero’s team didn’t immediately request funding for a new full-time employee (FTE). Instead, they leveraged existing resources.
They identified volunteers within the team, and now an informatics staffer dedicates time to assisting 20-40 patients daily with portal navigation. This simple solution unlocked a significant downstream benefit: reduced call center volume and increased patient satisfaction.
Defining ROI Beyond Dollars and Cents
This example highlights a critical point: return on investment (ROI) isn’t always measured in dollars. While cost savings are valuable,the true impact of technology frequently enough lies in improvements to efficiency,staff satisfaction,and patient access. Cordero emphasizes this broader viewpoint.
She’s upfront with clinicians, acknowledging that a new system won’t instantly solve all their problems. instead, she frames the benefits in terms of incremental improvements – a real lunch break, the ability to attend a child’s soccer game. This realistic approach builds trust and fosters buy-in.
Key Principles for Triumphant Implementation
Cordero’s success isn’t accidental. It’s built on a foundation of core principles that you can apply within your own organization. Here’s a breakdown of her key strategies:
Engage Nursing Early: Don’t dictate technology from IT. Programs like tele-sitter and virtual discharge are far more effective when developed with clinical teams, incorporating their insights and addressing their specific needs.
Govern Strategically: Every proposed technology must have a clear purpose. ask yourself: What problem are we solving? Does it align with organizational goals? Does it integrate with existing infrastructure and meet cybersecurity requirements?
Show the Work: Transparency is key. Visual resource charts outlining project timelines and milestones demonstrate IT’s value and keep stakeholders informed.
Define ROI broadly: look beyond financial gains. Consider improvements in efficiency, patient satisfaction, reduced errors, and enhanced staff well-being.
Avoid Overselling Tech: Honest communication about a tool’s capabilities – and limitations - is crucial for managing expectations and preventing burnout.
The power of Realistic Expectations & Communication
Setting realistic expectations is paramount. Cordero consistently emphasizes that technology is a tool to manage* clinicians’ lives, not to create more work. This requires open and honest communication throughout the implementation process.
You need to clearly articulate what a new system will and won’t do, addressing potential challenges proactively. This builds trust and encourages clinicians to embrace technology as a partner, rather than viewing it as an obstacle.
A People-first Approach to Digital Transformation
Cordero’s leadership demonstrates that digital transformation doesn’t require flashy innovations. It requires a pragmatic, people-first approach grounded in clinical collaboration, strategic alignment, and transparent communication.Her focus isn’t on dazzling stakeholders; it’s on delivering solutions that make a tangible difference in the daily lives of clinicians and patients. In an era where burnout is a pervasive threat,this approach offers a lasting path forward for healthcare organizations seeking to leverage technology for positive change.
Ultimately, successful digital transformation isn’t about the technology itself, but about how it empowers the people who deliver care.
