Seize the Day

At a recent industry association convention, an interesting conversation occurred between executives. Everyone recognized the need to maximize efficiency and gain the most value from every resource. Most agreed that automation was the key to success moving forward. However one individual astutely noted that most of the industry is ruled by the tyranny of the urgent. Due to the nature of home care and hospice, the work actually is a matter of life or death. It can be so difficult to stop dealing with the crisis of the moment, study current and emerging industry trends and develop a thoughtful strategy. However, as leaders, developing a thoughtful strategy is a part of our responsibilities.

Dr. Mark Leavitt, chairman of the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology, was asked by Healthcare Financial News if providers should wait until all of the healthcare reform and IT regulations are finalized before beginning to implement electronic medical records. His answer? "There are always people who specialize in delay...But we can see where the puck is going, and we should be skating towards that point."

Now may be an excellent time to focus on strategy since the recent economic turmoil has eased staffing shortages. As Healthcare Finance News noted in a recent issue, the recession caused many nurses to come out of retirement, delay retirement or increase the number of hours worked. However, this is not expected to continue long-term. It appears the shortage will become severe over the next decade as baby boomers both require additional care and retire in large numbers.

According to industry journalist and consultant, Tim Rowan, technology is likely the only way agencies can gain sufficient efficiencies to survive the rapidly changing home care and hospice environment.

To learn how Thornberry can effectively help you 'skate towards where the puck is going', call 717.283.0980 or email learnmore@thornberryltd.com. Our experts can help you effectively create a technology strategy that will dramatically assist your agency in creating success today and in the future.