BLIP-ZIP Executive Summary
My article, Leading Sideways! 4 Exciting Methods and 7 Critical Habits to Elevate Your Strategic Impact, sets the stage for measuring the impact and value of lateral leadership in healthcare. Key metrics include patient outcomes, cost savings, and patient satisfaction. By focusing on these areas, organizations can showcase the benefits of collaborative efforts and make a compelling case for continued investment in lateral leadership. Check out the questions for discussion, professional development and learning activities, AI-prompts, and hyperlinks for more information. Learn more at https://sheldr.com/
Table of Contents
Introduction
Reference my recent article on Leading Sideways. Show the value of lateral leadership with numbers. Track outcomes, costs, and patient satisfaction. Use the data to make a case for more collaboration. What are the best metrics for measuring success?
Case Studies
Through cross-sector collaboration, lateral leadership is pivotal in addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) and health-related social needs (HRSN). Effective measurement of outcomes, costs, and patient satisfaction is key to showcasing the benefits of these integrated approaches. Examining real-world case studies reveals how collaborative efforts can enhance patient care and demonstrate the tangible benefits of lateral leadership.
Lateral leadership is crucial in addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) and health-related social needs (HRSN). By fostering collaboration across sectors, we can create more integrated and accountable community health systems. To demonstrate the value of lateral leadership, we need to measure outcomes, costs, and patient satisfaction effectively.
One example is the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers model, which uses a data-driven approach to identify high-need patients and connect them with appropriate services. This initiative has shown a significant reduction in hospital readmissions and emergency room visits, highlighting the impact of coordinated care. Tracking these outcomes provides concrete evidence of the benefits of lateral leadership.
Cost savings are another critical metric. The Pathways Community HUB model, implemented in various states, coordinates care for at-risk individuals by addressing SDOH. This model has reduced costs by decreasing unnecessary hospitalizations and improving health outcomes. By analyzing cost data, we can make a compelling case for the financial benefits of collaborative approaches.
Patient satisfaction is also essential. The Accountable Health Communities Model by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) screens patients for SDOH and connects them with community resources. Surveys have shown increased patient satisfaction due to improved access to services and better care coordination. Patient feedback helps us understand the human impact of our efforts.
Cross-sector partnerships exemplify the effectiveness of lateral leadership in tackling SDOH and HRSN, with positive impacts on health outcomes, cost efficiency, and patient satisfaction. By analyzing successful models and their results, we gain insights into the value of collaborative care.
Measuring The Impact Of Lateral Leadership In
Measuring the impact of lateral leadership in addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) requires a comprehensive approach. Key strategies include tracking patient outcomes, assessing community engagement, and monitoring resource utilization. Collecting patient satisfaction feedback and evaluating policy changes are also crucial. By employing these metrics, organizations can effectively gauge the success of lateral leadership in improving community health outcomes and continuously refine their strategies. Measuring the impact of lateral leadership in addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) involves several vital strategies:
- Patient Outcomes: Track improvements in patient health metrics, such as reduced hospital readmissions, improved chronic disease management, and enhanced mental health outcomes. For example, a community health worker’s efforts to connect patients with housing resources can be measured by a decrease in emergency room visits.
- Community Engagement: Assess the level of community involvement and collaboration. This can be measured by the number of partnerships formed with local organizations, the frequency of joint initiatives, and the participation rates in community health programs.
- Resource Utilization: Monitor the efficient use of resources, such as reducing duplicated services and better allocation of funding. For example, integrating social services with healthcare can lead to more streamlined care and cost savings.
- Patient Satisfaction: Collect feedback from patients regarding their experiences with care coordination and support services. Surveys and interviews can provide insights into how well lateral leadership addresses their social needs.
- Policy Changes: Evaluate the influence of lateral leaders on policy reforms that support integrated care models. This can include tracking the adoption of new policies or programs that address SDOH and the subsequent impact on community health.
By implementing these measurement strategies, organizations can effectively assess the impact of lateral leadership on SDOH. Tracking patient outcomes, community engagement, resource utilization, patient satisfaction, and policy changes provides a holistic view of progress. These insights enable continuous improvement, leading to enhanced community health outcomes and more effective, integrated care models.
Collection of Data Requires Lateral Leadership to Overcome Challenges
Accurate data collection on social determinants of health (SDOH) is fraught with challenges that can impact the effectiveness of health interventions. These issues can hinder comprehensive patient assessments, from the lack of standardized methods to difficulties integrating data into electronic health records (EHRs). Overcoming these obstacles requires a concerted effort to standardize practices, improve data integration, and address privacy concerns, all while ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-trained and patients are comfortable sharing their information. Here are some examples:
- Lack of Standardization: No universal standard for collecting and coding SDOH data exists. Different organizations use various tools and methods, leading to inconsistencies.
- Integration Issues: Integrating SDOH data into electronic health records (EHRs) is often tricky. Many EHR systems are not designed to handle this data type, making creating a comprehensive patient profile hard.
- Training and Education: Healthcare professionals may lack training on how to collect and use SDOH data effectively. This can result in incomplete or inaccurate data collection.
- Data Sharing: Sharing SDOH data between healthcare providers and community organizations is often hindered by privacy concerns and incompatible systems.
- Patient Comfort and Consent: Patients may be uncomfortable sharing personal information related to SDOH, such as housing status or financial difficulties. Ensuring informed consent and building trust is crucial.
- Resource Constraints: Many social service organizations lack the capacity and resources to collect and manage SDOH data effectively. However, several have had successes. The organizations prioritized avoiding redundant data collection, integrating SDH screening into existing workflows, and addressing diverse clinic needs.
Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort to standardize data collection methods, improve EHR integration, provide adequate training, and enhance data-sharing capabilities. Building trust with patients and ensuring their comfort in sharing sensitive information is also essential. Overcoming these challenges will enable more accurate and comprehensive health assessments, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Overcoming Barriers To Collaboration
Overcoming barriers to collaboration in community health systems demands a multifaceted approach. Key strategies include building trust through transparent communication, establishing shared visions and goals, and leveraging technology for seamless data sharing. Effective communication, continuous training, and policy support are also crucial. Celebrating successes can motivate stakeholders and reinforce collaborative efforts. By focusing on these strategies, community health systems can enhance health outcomes, reduce costs, and improve patient satisfaction. Here are some strategies that can help:
- Build Trust: Trust is the foundation of any successful collaboration. Regular, transparent communication and shared goals can help build trust among stakeholders. For example, the Camden Coalition’s success was partly due to its ability to foster trust among hospitals, social services, and community organizations.
- Shared Vision and Goals: Establishing a common vision and shared goals ensures that all parties are working towards the same outcomes. Ohio’s Pathways Community HUB model aligns various stakeholders around reducing emergency room visits and healthcare costs.
- Effective Communication: Clear and consistent communication is crucial. Regular meetings, updates, and feedback loops help keep everyone on the same page. The Health Leads initiative uses regular check-ins and updates to ensure all partners are informed and engaged.
- Leverage Technology: Technology can facilitate collaboration by sharing data and communication platforms. Integrated data systems, like those used by the Accountable Health Communities Model, enable seamless information exchange and coordination.
- Training and Education: Providing training on collaborative practices and the importance of SDOH can help align stakeholders. Workshops, seminars, and continuous education programs can equip professionals with the skills needed for effective collaboration.
- Policy and Funding Support: Advocacy for policies that support collaboration and securing funding for joint initiatives can remove significant barriers. Programs like the CMS-funded Accountable Health Communities Model demonstrate the impact of policy and support of the financing on collaborative efforts.
- Celebrate Successes: Recognizing and celebrating collaborative successes can motivate stakeholders and reinforce the value of working together. Sharing success stories and outcomes can inspire continued collaboration.
By implementing these strategies, community health systems can effectively overcome collaboration barriers. Building trust, aligning goals, leveraging technology, and ensuring continuous education are essential. Policy support and celebrating successes further strengthen collaborative efforts. Ultimately, these approaches lead to improved health outcomes, reduced costs, and enhanced patient satisfaction, fostering a more integrated and effective community health system.
Conclusion
We should focus on metrics such as reduced hospital readmissions, cost savings, and patient satisfaction scores to measure success. These indicators provide a comprehensive view of the effectiveness of lateral leadership in addressing SDOH and HRSN. By presenting this data, we can advocate for more collaboration across community health system boundaries, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing disparities. How can we convince leadership to invest in lateral leadership?
Check out other SHELDR articles about LATERAL LEADERSHIP and LEADING SIDEWAYS OR SYSTEMS THINKING!
From Blind Chaos to Clarity: Master the 5 Systems Thinking Tools for the Next Pandemic
What’s your best tip for leading laterally—leading sideways?
Questions for Discussion
- How can organizations effectively track and report improvements in patient outcomes due to lateral leadership?
- What are the most effective methods for measuring cost savings from integrated care models?
- How can patient satisfaction be accurately assessed in the context of lateral leadership and collaboration?
- What strategies can be employed to overcome challenges in data collection and integration?
- How can we leverage data to advocate for greater investment in lateral leadership within health systems?
Professional Development and Learning Activities
- Workshop on Metrics for Collaborative Care: Learn how to track and report key metrics such as patient outcomes and cost savings.
- Seminar on Data Integration: Explore strategies for integrating SDOH data into electronic health records and overcoming common challenges.
- Case Study Analysis: Review successful models like Camden Coalition and Pathways Community HUB to understand effective lateral leadership practices.
- Training on Patient Satisfaction Measurement: Gain skills in collecting and interpreting patient feedback to assess the impact of collaborative efforts.
- Networking Event: Connect with peers to discuss strategies for measuring and advocating for lateral leadership in healthcare.
AI-Prompts
- “Generate a report summarizing the impact of lateral leadership on patient outcomes based on recent case studies.”
- “What are the best practices for integrating SDOH data into electronic health records?”
- “How can we measure cost savings achieved through collaborative care models?”
- “Create a survey to assess patient satisfaction with integrated care services.”
- “What strategies can be employed to improve data sharing between healthcare providers and community organizations?”
Hyperlinks for more information
Other Publications By The Author
Primer on Systems Thinking For Healthcare Professionals
Systems Thinking for Health Organizations, Leadership, and Policy: Think Globally, Act Locally
Follow The Author on
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Flipboard: SHELDR: Strategic Health Leadership
Learn more on consulting, coaching, mentoring services: Strategic Health Leadership Institute
~DrQD
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#LateralLeadership #HealthcareCollaboration #SDOH #PatientOutcomes #HealthData #PerformanceImprovement #DataDriven #PatientExperience #Accountability
