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Explore how to transform your healthcare and enable your medical staff to make quick, safe decisions with locally vetted guidance. Get inspiration from our expert insights, innovations, and success stories.
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Knowledge managementReducing Healthcare Costs Through Knowledge Management SystemsEvidence-based care has a consistent track record of improving patient outcomes and cutting down healthcare costs. However, the real challenge for healthcare institutions lies in effectively implementing this valuable knowledge across their systems. This ensures that every healthcare decision is consistent, informed, and based on the most current and relevant evidence. The goal is not just to organize and share knowledge, but to embed it into the very fabric of the healthcare delivery process. It calls for a core platform that doesn't just tell healthcare providers about the best evidence-based practices but also makes sure they actually stick to them. Let's dive into how knowledge management systems can reduce healthcare costs. Meet the Expert Ido Zamberg M.D. is a board-certified physician (General Internal Medicine and Anesthesia), currently a Fellow at the Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada. How Knowledge Management Systems Can Reduce Healthcare Costs Knowledge management systems can play a vital role in reducing healthcare costs by helping organizations improve patient care, increase efficiency, and streamline processes. Outcomes include reduced mortality rates, lower readmission rates, shorter hospital and ICU stays, and a decreased need for rehabilitative therapy. Evidence-Based Practices Knowledge management systems can significantly improve patient care by providing healthcare professionals with easy access to the latest medical research, evidence-based practices, and clinical guidelines. This access to up-to-date knowledge empowers healthcare providers to make informed decisions, implement effective treatment plans, and deliver personalized care, leading to improved patient outcomes. For instance, a knowledge management system might provide physicians with real-time access to clinical decision support tools, enabling them to make more accurate diagnoses, prescribe appropriate medications, and avoid unnecessary tests or procedures. This, in turn, can reduce the risk of medical errors, complications, and adverse events, contributing to lower mortality rates. Optimized Resource Utilization Knowledge management systems promote efficient management of healthcare resources by providing insights into resource utilization patterns, identifying areas of waste or inefficiency, and enabling data-driven decision-making. This optimization of resources leads to cost savings without compromising patient care. Streamlined Administrative Processes Automate repetitive tasks, simplify workflows, and provide easy access to patient information with knowledge management systems. It improves efficiency by making it easier for healthcare professionals to find the information they need when and where they need it. And it can lead to reduced workloads and improved job satisfaction for healthcare professionals. The reduction in administrative burden frees up healthcare professionals to focus on patient care, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs. Better operational management By making more informed decisions and streamlining care processes, hospital and ICU stays can be shortened. Knowledge management systems can also help to streamline communication and protocols in the operating room, leading to more efficient procedures and reduced operating room time. What's more, they can improve coordination and protocol adherence, preventing surgery cancellations due to optimal patient and team preparedness. Dr. Daniel Katz (Vice Chair of Education, Department of Anesthesia, Mount Sinai) shares his experience of improving patient care and reducing costs because he had access to actionable information in the OR: Tips for Implementing a Knowledge Management System in Healthcare Choose a Purpose-Built Solution Use a knowledge management solution like C8 Health that's explicitly designed for healthcare. This solution should effectively manage and disseminate healthcare-specific content. Key features should include: Locally vetted information to ensure healthcare professionals are following their hospital's guidelines.Availability on both desktop and mobile to enhance accessibility.Dynamic content and formats that are interactive and actionable.Automatic notifications when any changes are made so teams remain updated.Data and analytics dashboard to track how well protocols are implemented. Overall, a purpose-built knowledge management system with these key features can help healthcare organizations improve patient care, reduce costs, and make better use of resources. Focus on Knowledge Dissemination Prioritize the dissemination of knowledge to healthcare professionals at the point of service, ensuring easy access and application. This includes: Using push notifications and other real-time alerts to notify healthcare professionals of new knowledge that is relevant to their patients. This will help to ensure that healthcare professionals are always up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practices.Creating user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for healthcare professionals to search for and access knowledge. Consider AI-powered search functions and mobile responsiveness. » Still stuck on implementation? Try these knowledge management strategies Accessible Knowledge to Reduce Healthcare Costs Knowledge management systems hold significant potential for reducing healthcare costs while concurrently enhancing the quality of care. Leveraging these systems to promote awareness and adherence to evidence-based practices empowers healthcare organizations to achieve substantial savings and, most importantly, improved patient outcomes. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, embracing purpose-built knowledge management solutions becomes a strategic step toward cost-effective and high-quality care.
staff burnout
Staff healthAddressing Staff Burnout in Healthcare: Essential SolutionsThe healthcare profession has long been regarded as one of the most demanding and stressful fields to work in. While the dedication of healthcare professionals is commendable, it comes at a cost—staff burnout. In this blog, we explore the primary factors contributing to burnout among healthcare professionals and discuss how it directly affects the quality of patient care and safety. We also offer four actionable solutions to address staff burnout in healthcare. This includes: Invest in knowledge management systemsInvolve healthcare professionalsImproved work-life balanceStreamlined administrative processes Meet the Expert Ido Zamberg M.D. is a board-certified physician (General Internal Medicine and Anesthesia), currently a Fellow at the Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada. How Prevalent is Staff Burnout in Healthcare? Staff burnout has always been a concern in healthcare, but its impact has been amplified by the arrival and aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, research shows that "one in three physicians is experiencing burnout at any given time." However, a 2023 study reveals that: 50% of all the study participants experienced burnout.Nurses were the hardest hit with 56% experiencing burnout.Other clinical staff (excluding physicians and nurses) were right on their heels with 54.1% experiencing burnout. This high level of burnout has various consequences, but possibly the most alarming one is more healthcare professionals are considering leaving their jobs. The same 2023 study breaks the "intent to leave the job" down like this: Nurses: 41%Non-clinical staff: 32.6% Other clinical (excluding physicians and nurses) staff: 31.1% These statistics underscore the heightened prevalence of staff burnout in healthcare and that the industry needs effective solutions to address it. But what contributes to burnout in the first place? 3 Factors Contributing to Burnout Among Healthcare Professionals 1. Lack of Control Over Daily Schedule and Workload One of the major contributors to burnout in healthcare is the lack of control over one's daily schedule. The healthcare system often prioritizes seeing as many patients as possible, leaving little room for personal time or flexibility. Consequently, this sentiment goes hand-in-hand with work overload. Overall, a heavy workload can double, or in some cases almost triple, healthcare professionals' risk of burning out. Burnout is not only about long hours. It’s about the fundamental disconnect between health workers and the mission to serve that motivates them. — Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A. This means trying to balance their personal and work lives, fulfilling multiple roles, managing increasing patient demands, and working around staff shortages. Being exposed to high workloads for too long can lead to chronic burnout, which may result in healthcare professionals leaving the profession altogether. In turn, high turnover rates can further exacerbate staffing shortages. 2. Administrative Burden 'Administrative burden' is two-fold. Firstly, physicians spend a significant amount of time on daily administrative tasks like paperwork, phone calls, and electronic medical record (EMR) documentation. This administrative load is often a main complaint from medicine practitioners. It takes away precious moments that could be spent with patients, leading to frustration and burnout. Secondly, healthcare providers also grapple with accessing vetted best practices. This includes: Spending considerable time searching for clinical guidance and the latest evidence-based approaches to patient care. Keeping knowledge bases up to date. These can be scattered between different departments and systems, requiring manual effort to update them all. These cumulative demands contribute to burnout and demonstrate the pressing need for more efficient administrative processes and support systems within healthcare. 3. Challenging Training Processes The training process in healthcare can be ambiguous and mentally taxing. New challenges arise daily, and the path to competence isn't always clear. Challenges include: Constantly keeping up with new knowledge and developments.Trainees don't always have access to mentors.Finding it difficult to balance workloads and time between training, clinical duties, and personal life.Training programs are different between institutions and specialties, indicating a lack of standardization. This relentless pursuit of medical education, coupled with the high-stakes nature of healthcare professionals' responsibilities, can lead to emotional fatigue, especially if you're in the early stages of your career. The Impact of Staff Burnout on Patient Care and Safety Staff burnout in healthcare doesn't just affect the professionals themselves. It has a direct impact on the quality of patient care and safety. Reduced Training and Mentorship Healthcare professionals often take on multiple roles where the primary focus revolves around patient and clinical care. Subsequently, they may not have time to dedicate to other responsibilities, including training junior physicians. This may hurt hospitals, and patient care, in the long term as future physicians will have less experience and exposure and might not invest in training peers themselves, creating a vicious cycle. Decreased Performance Fatigue and burnout can significantly impact a healthcare professional's performance. A survey found that 46% of junior doctors admit to making "fatigue-induced clinical errors." This means patients seen later in the day or by exhausted physicians may not receive the same level of care as those seen during the physician's peak hours. Minimal Time and Attention When healthcare professionals are overwhelmed, they may resort to doing the minimum required to get through the day, compromising patient care. This can lead to rushed decisions and errors that put patient safety at risk and result in negative outcomes. This is especially applicable to nurses—who have close, daily contact with patients—to the extent that up to 50% of patient safety incidents are because of limited nursing care. 4 Solutions to Address Staff Burnout in Healthcare 1. Invest in Knowledge Management Systems Effective knowledge management systems can play a crucial role in reducing burnout. Healthcare organizations should invest in robust systems that facilitate the efficient sharing and retrieval of medical knowledge and best practices. These systems can help healthcare professionals stay updated and make informed decisions, reducing the burden of searching for locally vetted clinical guidance relevant to their point of care. Make Your Knowledge Easily Accessible C8 Health’s platform empowers residents and staff to take control of their training through quick and continuous access to their institution’s best practices. Here's how Dr. Daniel Katz (Vice Chair of Education, Department of Anesthesia, Mount Sinai) uses C8: 2. Involve Healthcare Professionals To make sure burnout solutions are effective, it's essential to involve healthcare professionals themselves in the development process. Physicians, nurses, and other staff should actively participate in the design and implementation of technological solutions. Their insights and feedback can help create tools that align with their specific needs and workflows, increasing the likelihood of successful adoption. 3. Improved Work-Life Balance Healthcare institutions must prioritize work-life balance for their staff. This includes implementing flexible scheduling, providing opportunities for breaks, and allowing for occasional sick days without jeopardizing patient care. Having backup systems or pools of available personnel can help alleviate the burden on individual professionals. » Explore other ways to improve staff wellness 4. Streamlined Administrative Processes It's crucial to embrace innovative technological tools that can automate manual workflows. These tools aren't limited to knowledge management but also extend to the documentation and overall patient care processes. By introducing these solutions, healthcare organizations can significantly enhance efficiency, reduce paperwork, and streamline administrative tasks. This transformation allows healthcare professionals to dedicate more time to direct patient care while simultaneously alleviating the administrative burden. » Streamline your institution's admin with this easy-to-use solution Making Healthcare Sustainable Staff burnout is a pressing issue in healthcare that not only affects the well-being of professionals but also compromises the quality of patient care and safety. By implementing these and other solutions, we can take significant steps towards addressing burnout and creating a healthier, more sustainable healthcare system for both patients and practitioners. C8 Health strives to help healthcare practitioners achieve this goal by making best practices easily accessible to healthcare workers, thus mitigating the administrative burden of this line of work.
medical errors and solutions
Patient care3 Vital Approaches for Medical Error Reduction and PreventionMedical errors— a major concern for both patients and healthcare professionals. But what exactly constitutes a medical error? Understanding the causes and consequences of medical errors is crucial to improving patient safety and enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery. Let's dive into the world of medicine, where science meets technology, and unveil some critical aspects of medical errors and how to solve them. This includes: Implementing standardized protocolsEffectively disseminating knowledgeStrictly adhering to protocols Meet the Expert Ido Zamberg M.D. is a board-certified physician (General Internal Medicine and Anesthesia), currently a Fellow at the Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada. Defining Medical Errors From an evidence-based medicine perspective, a medical error is any deviation from established protocols or a departure from evidence-based practices. In simpler terms, it's when healthcare providers stray from the path of proven medical guidelines. This includes: Medication errors (occurring an estimated 6.5 per 1000 admissions)Diagnostic and treatment errorsUsing medication or procedures that deviate from the institution's protocols Now, here's the catch: not all medical errors lead to immediate harm. Some are "near misses," scenarios where either a potential error was narrowly averted or an actual error occurred but didn't harm the patient. Think of it as assembling an IKEA bed without following the instructions: it might collapse or it might not. In both cases, any deviation from the instructions counts as a medical error, whether it's immediately noticeable or not. Protocols and evidence-based practice are the cornerstones of safe, standardized healthcare. They form the foundation of patient care and help to minimize the occurrence of errors. These guidelines are developed based on extensive research and clinical trials, and following them ensures that healthcare professionals are providing the most effective and safe treatments for their patients. A Prescription for Error Reduction: 3 Vital Approaches 1. Implement Standardized Protocols Protocols are the foundation of standardized care. Just like the standardized CPR protocol, healthcare providers need clear, evidence-based guidelines for various medical scenarios. These protocols should be meticulously developed over time, integrating the latest evidence. 2. Effectively Disseminate Knowledge Developing protocols is only the first step—the key is making them accessible and user-friendly. Healthcare professionals should have real-time access to these guidelines and trust their legality and applicability to their specific point-of-service. 3. Strictly Adhere to Protocols Following organizational protocols can significantly improve outcomes, even when other factors conspire to create medical errors. Adhering to guidelines also ensures patient safety, thus increasing the chances of a positive outcome. Furthermore, it promotes consistency and standardization in healthcare practices, reducing the likelihood of mistakes or variations in treatment. » Make your hospital's protocols accessible to everyone in real-time with C8 Health. A Better Clinical Experience for Providers With C8 Health, healthcare providers can seamlessly find and apply their institutions’ best practices, resulting in a better clinical experience, improved staff wellness, and standardization of care. Find out how C8 Health has helped anesthesiologist, Max Feinstein M.D., streamline knowledge dissemination. The Culprits Behind Medical Errors So, what fuels these medical errors? Let's take a closer look at the human, technological, and systemic factors at play. 1. Human Factors Lack of experience, knowledge gaps, and sheer exhaustion are some of the most common human factors that drive medical errors. Healthcare providers may stray from guidelines due to inexperience or a lack of familiarity with the latest evidence. Burnout and fatigue can also lead to lapses in judgment and adherence to protocols. 2. Technological Factors Technological factors play a pivotal role in reducing and preventing medical errors, but can also present hurdles. One major challenge is the absence of centralized knowledge management systems, making it difficult for healthcare professionals to access crucial clinical guidance promptly. This fragmented information landscape can lead to errors due to the lack of up-to-date protocols and guidelines. Additionally, a prevalent issue arises from the disconnect between technology and staff needs. Medical devices and software systems are often designed without sufficient input from healthcare professionals who use them daily, resulting in solutions that add complexity to workflows and hinder efficient patient care. These issues underscore the critical need for technology that aligns seamlessly with the demands of healthcare environments, ensuring safer and more effective patient outcomes. 3. Systemic Factors Hospitals are complex ecosystems where highly-trained professionals work tirelessly. However, budget constraints often hinder training and education, leaving healthcare providers underprepared for rare but critical situations. Imagine facing a condition like malignant hyperthermia, which is incredibly rare and challenging to detect. Without adequate training and exposure, even seasoned professionals may struggle, and it's difficult to recognize and treat because there often isn't enough simulation or hands-on training. Additionally, staff burnout and high turnover rates can disrupt the delicate balance required during medical emergencies. In high-stress situations, effective teamwork is vital, but unfamiliarity among team members can be a recipe for disaster. » Streamline collaboration with C8 Health's data-driven features. Standardizing Care with C8 Health Understanding what constitutes a medical error, recognizing the factors that contribute to them, and effectively implementing protocols and procedures are essential steps toward enhancing patient safety. Furthermore, a commitment to evidence-based practice and standardized care can make all the difference in ensuring that care is given with accuracy and consistency across professionals and throughout hospital systems. C8 Health makes it easier to standardize care by providing you with tools to organize best practices and make them accessible to everyone.
Best practices for safe medication
Knowledge management8 Best Practices for Safe Medication AdministrationMedication errors are a significant concern within the healthcare industry, posing risks to patient safety and adding to the already complex challenges healthcare providers face. These errors can occur at any point in the medication process, from jotting down a prescription to handing out the pills. That's why it's essential to recognize the key contributing factors to these errors and implement comprehensive strategies to mitigate them. Below, we explore these factors and provide best practices to significantly reduce medication errors in healthcare settings. » Make your organization's knowledge accessible to everyone on the team with this solution. Meet the Expert Leah Alexander, an experienced general pediatrician, has 23 years of practice, specializing in caring for patients from infants to 21 years. 8 Best Practices to Administer Medication Safely Prioritize patient safety over speedUse correct medication labelingCross-check patient infoProperly educate patientsIncorporate double-check proceduresApply strict protocols for high-alert medicationsLeverage technologyEstablish a robust training and development program 1. Prioritize Patient Safety Over Speed Doctors play a pivotal role in medication management, and errors often arise from various aspects of their practice. Here's what to watch out for: Time Constraints and Rushed Prescriptions In a healthcare environment where physicians are inundated with patients and have limited time for each consultation, the pressure to manage time efficiently can lead to rushed prescription processes.Electronic Prescribing Systems While electronic prescribing systems have certainly improved accuracy, they're not without their challenges. Certain systems may have limitations when conveying specific prescription details, potentially leading to errors.Incomplete Patient Information In pediatric medicine, for instance, medication dosages are often weight-based. If there's no updated weight on record, or if the staff doesn't have time to measure it accurately, it can result in an incorrect prescription.Illegible Handwriting Although handwritten prescriptions have become increasingly rare in modern healthcare, physicians' handwriting is notoriously difficult to decipher, potentially leading to misinterpretation by pharmacists. The solution? Take your time and put patient safety above speed. Verify patient info, check allergies, and go over prescription details carefully. A slow, steady approach to prescribing can significantly reduce errors and improve patient outcomes. » Want to easily access vetted medication guidance? Check out C8 Health 2. Use Correct Medication Labeling Medication labeling is a critical factor in preventing errors during medication administration, especially in high-stress environments like anesthesia and acute care. These errors often occur because labels appear similar or the wrong label is simply placed on the wrong medication. To mitigate this, healthcare institutions implement color coding systems, where specific colors are assigned to different drug classes (e.g., blue for opioids, yellow for hypnotics). This standardized approach makes it easier to quickly and accurately identify medications. C8 Health's platform has a compendium feature that displays customized drug dosages with their relevant color code, vetted by your institution. This ensures clinicians adhere to their institution's medication guidelines. 3. Cross-Check Patient Info Pharmacies are the gatekeepers of medication distribution, but they, too, can be susceptible to errors. Some of the most common blunders include: Dispensing the wrong medication: Despite their crucial role, pharmacies may occasionally dispense the incorrect medication, posing serious risks to patients.Medication substitution: Pharmacists sometimes substitute prescribed medications with cheaper alternatives that might not work the same way. The goal should be for pharmacists to meticulously verify patient information and communicate with healthcare providers about any substitutions or concerns. Ensuring that patients receive the medication as prescribed is paramount to their safety and well-being. 4. Properly Educate Patients Ideally, healthcare providers should educate patients about the importance of adhering to their prescribed medication regimen and provide any necessary counseling to address potential side effects or drug interactions. Failure to do this may lead to: Misadministration: Patients or their caregivers may misunderstand or misinterpret instructions on how to administer medications correctly, leading to dosage errors. Healthcare providers should take time to educate patients thoroughly. Provide clear, written instructions and encourage open communication to address any questions or concerns about their medications. Regular check-ins can help catch mistakes too. 5. Incorporate Double-Check Procedures Double-checking procedures are pivotal in catching errors before they reach the patient. Failure to do so can lead to management oversight, which can result in serious consequences for both the patient and the healthcare provider, including medical malpractice lawsuits, loss of reputation, and potential harm to the patient's health or well-being. This is where robust double-check systems for medication dispensing and administration come in. Ideally, a senior staff member or manager should independently verify medication orders, particularly for high-risk medications. You should also ensure that multiple professionals review and verify medication orders, creating an additional layer of safety. 6. Apply Strict Protocols for High-Alert Medications High-alert medications demand extra caution due to their potential for harm. That's why healthcare providers should be extra careful when prescribing controlled substances. Assess the patient's needs, prescribe small amounts, and provide crystal-clear instructions. It's also crucial to educate patients comprehensively about the risks and benefits, closely monitor their usage, and maintain meticulous records of their prescriptions. 7. Leverage Technology Modern technology plays a significant role in preventing medication errors and enhancing patient safety. Beyond managing patient data, it also facilitates streamlined access to updated medical guidance and promotes coordinated care. Recent incidents, like those documented on medication errors in two California hospitals, underscore the critical need to harness technology for medication safety. Core issues that surfaced include: Not following hospital protocolDuplicate prescription fulfillingIncorrect doses of medications These issues occurred because staff either didn't communicate with each other, didn't follow the proper protocols, or didn't have access to updated information. To adhere to best practices in medication administration, healthcare providers must embrace these technological solutions and ensure staff proficiency in their use. This approach not only reduces the risk of medication errors but also leads to improved patient outcomes and a safer healthcare environment. » Learn more about C8 Health's platform for guidance management and care collaboration 8. Establish a Robust Training and Development Program Structured training programs are fundamental for healthcare facilities, particularly when it comes to new hires. Healthcare facilities should deliver comprehensive training to newly hired staff members, including orientation and ongoing education. It's also important to regularly evaluate staff performance and offer re-training as needed to address knowledge or skill gaps. The training and development program should cater to different learning needs and experience levels. You should also encourage continuous learning and improvement among your healthcare staff. » Want to streamline your organization's education? Start here. Safe Medication Administration: It's a Group Effort Preventing medication errors is a shared responsibility among healthcare providers, pharmacists, patients, and healthcare facilities. Most importantly, healthcare providers should strive to stick to these best practices and always put patient safety first. Through a collective effort, the healthcare industry can move closer to achieving error-free medication management. C8 Health aims to promote smoother medical collaboration and put life-saving knowledge at the fingertips of healthcare providers.
staff wellness - 1
Staff healthStaff Wellness: Ways to Keep Your Staff Healthy and ProductiveIn many ways, the healthcare industry mirrors others when it comes to the relationship between staff wellness and productivity. When individuals are well, their motivation and performance naturally improve. However, what sets the healthcare industry apart is that the concept of wellness is relatively new to the field. Its significance was particularly highlighted in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought significant burnout and a workforce exodus in the healthcare profession. While it's evident that professionals perform better when well, medicine has been slow to integrate wellness into its DNA. Only recently has there been a growing awareness of the importance of wellness for hospital staff, recognizing that it can enhance productivity. Meet the Expert Ido Zamberg M.D. is a board-certified physician (General Internal Medicine and Anesthesia), currently a Fellow at the Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada Recognizing the Problem For hospitals—or any organization—it's crucial to first acknowledge the problem. Professionals need a work-life balance. In academic centers, the expectation is to be a full-time clinician, researcher, and educator simultaneously. It's a lot to manage without adequate protected time, and many senior physicians depart due to the lack of work-life balance. Moreover, in healthcare roles involving shifts, nights, and weekends, there's often no clear beginning or end to a workday. The work is ongoing, and there's always something more to learn and do. This constant challenge, combined with a system that doesn't prioritize wellness, makes it difficult for healthcare professionals to thrive. In recognizing the main issue, it's clear that the industry needs to ensure appropriate working conditions. Being a clinician is more than a calling that requires sacrificing one's personal life. Ultimately, when professionals are content and fulfilled, they perform better, leading to improved patient outcomes. Creating a Supportive Work Environment The Challenge How can healthcare facilities create a work environment that supports work-life balance? Like any industry, technology has the potential to revolutionize processes and workflows. Historically, in medicine, there has been a heavy reliance on manual methods, often resorting to pen and paper. The introduction of technology can automate many of these tasks and streamline operations. However, what we've observed in the healthcare industry is that, while technology has been introduced, much of it hasn't been designed with clinicians in mind. Many apps, platforms, and innovations are primarily patient-focused rather than provider-centric. There's a notable lack of technological solutions aimed specifically at health professionals. The Solution Our platform is designed with a clear purpose: to improve the lives of clinicians. It's tailored for all health professionals, with the entire design and implementation process steered by providers themselves. This means: You have easy access to all relevant information, including administrative, clinical, and practical knowledge.It's simple to update any information and send notifications to all users. Plus, the platform will let you know if it's time to review any data.Information is available in mobile-friendly content formats so it's easy to work with.Advanced analytics lets you measure content consumption so you can remove any gaps in knowledge dissemination. Dr. Daniel Katz (Vice Chair of Education, Department of Anesthesia, Mount Sinai) shares his experience of C8 Health's platform: Challenges in Accessing and Applying Medical Protocols: A Short Case Study To illustrate the challenges we face, let's look at an example. I once treated a patient with a unique condition, but the treatment was simple: plasma exchange. This treatment isn't an everyday procedure and involves a machine unfamiliar to many. We were aware that a protocol existed, but this was before the era of digitalized protocols, and we had no clue where to find it. After searching for five hours, I finally found the protocol—on a paper from 2002. This scenario highlights several issues: Without a digitized system, it's challenging to locate specific protocols. Even when you find them, there's the matter of their validity. Can you trust a protocol from 2002? Is it updated? Is it still relevant? In this case, we were dealing with a patient with a severe condition. Even after finding the protocol, the practical challenge remained: nobody knew how to execute the procedure. While there was a guideline for this, if you can't access it promptly, you're left stranded. "Imagine being in a top-tier university hospital surrounded by world experts, yet no one knows how to push a specific button. Despite all the technological advancements and expertise, sometimes it boils down to someone knowing which button to press." In medicine, you can't afford to take risks because the potential for harm is significant. You need clarity and guidance. While the situation I described was extreme, we encounter similar challenges on a day-to-day basis. It's about knowing which "button" to push, and when you don't, it's not only frustrating but also makes you feel like you're failing the patient. A Digital Solution The connection between staff wellness and productivity in healthcare is undeniable. It's a complex issue that requires recognition, support, and the right tools. The experiences shared here shed light on the challenges faced in the healthcare industry and how technology when designed with clinicians in mind, can play a pivotal role in improving staff wellness and ultimately enhancing patient care. This is why C8 Health was created: to bridge the knowledge gap in healthcare and make best practices available to healthcare workers everywhere. Our user-friendly platform makes it easy for healthcare professionals to access the knowledge they need, when they need it, saving valuable time.
A person sitting at a table working on a laptop with a knowledge management workflow on their screen
Knowledge management3 Effective Knowledge Management Strategies for Your BusinessIn healthcare, every decision is important. That's why it's critical to have efficient knowledge management systems in place. However, hospitals, often at the forefront of medical innovation, face unique challenges when it comes to organizing, sharing, and implementing this knowledge. In this blog, we'll dive into some of the most common hurdles faced by healthcare institutions and how to overcome them. We'll also explore the advantages and challenges of structured vs. unstructured knowledge-sharing approaches. Finally, we'll take a closer look at how technology, specifically the role played by C8 Health, is revolutionizing modern knowledge management strategies in healthcare. » See how C8 Health can make life easier for your medical team. Meet the Expert Ido Zamberg M.D. is a board-certified physician (General Internal Medicine and Anesthesia), currently a Fellow at the Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada. 3 Effective Knowledge Management Strategies Balance system-wide policies and department-specific protocols and proceduresUtilize the power of accessibility and visibilityUnderstand structured vs. unstructured knowledge sharing 1. Balance System-Wide Policies and Department-Specific Protocols and Procedures One of the fundamental challenges in healthcare knowledge management is the balancing act between system-wide policies and department-specific protocols. This delicate dance can sometimes lead to contradictions and confusion. Imagine a hospital network with multiple campuses, each with its own set of equipment, staff, and expertise. Implementing a uniform system policy across all these sites becomes a daunting task. For example, how do you standardize the treatment of a condition like atrial fibrillation across departments as diverse as the ER, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Anesthesiology, and Intensive Care? The solution lies in effective coordination and alignment. While individual departments may have their unique approaches, finding common ground and standardizing care can significantly improve patient outcomes. The same holds true for conditions like acute stroke, where a collaborative approach across various departments is critical for the quality of patient care. Transitioning from national recommendations to system-specific guidelines and then to department-specific protocols is undoubtedly challenging, but it's a vital step in achieving better outcomes for patients. 2. Utilize the Power of Accessibility and Visibility It's incredibly important to make knowledge readily available in healthcare settings. Currently, valuable knowledge is often buried in various systems, making it difficult to standardize and unite strategies. A key solution here is accessibility. Imagine if a groundbreaking checklist that reduced mortality from cardiac surgery by 35% in one hospital could be easily implemented across an entire network of 150 hospitals. Such a checklist and other information would have to be available in a centralized knowledge repository that's easily accessible from any device, meaning: Information is no longer siloed, increasing the visibility of guidance across professions and hospital systems.Healthcare providers can quickly search for and access necessary information through an intuitive interface, or even a personalized dashboard.Patient care quality increases because healthcare providers can instantly consult protocols and contact information.Training new medical staff becomes a streamlined process.Information can be updated instantly, and all the users receive notifications.Stakeholders have an overview of the entire health system and can consult analytics to get insights into knowledge resource utilization, adherence to guidelines, and outcomes. By concentrating on these aspects, hospitals and healthcare systems can break down silos, improve access to knowledge, and ensure that evidence-based guidance is readily available and followed across the entire health system, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient operations. 3. Understand Structured vs. Unstructured Knowledge Sharing In healthcare, understanding the dynamics of structured vs. unstructured knowledge sharing is crucial. These two approaches have distinct advantages and disadvantages that impact patient care and the overall effectiveness of a healthcare system. Structured Knowledge Sharing: Structured knowledge sharing revolves around formal communication channels and established protocols. It offers several advantages: Standardized care: Protocols and guidelines provide a standardized and coordinated approach to patient care. They ensure that evidence-based practices are consistently followed, promoting patient safety and quality of care.Clarity and consistency: Protocols offer clear and evidence-based instructions for various medical scenarios. This clarity minimizes ambiguity and ensures that healthcare decisions are rooted in the best available evidence.Foundation for decision-making: While allowing room for clinical judgment, protocols serve as a solid foundation for healthcare decision-making. They provide a starting point for addressing common medical issues. However, as discussed in the previous point, structured knowledge can become ineffective if it's scattered between different departments and servers. The information should be hosted on a central database for easy access and usability. Unstructured Knowledge Sharing: Unstructured knowledge sharing, often rooted in informal communication and personal experience, also plays a role in healthcare. It's important to consider both its advantages and challenges. Advantages Informal expertise: Informal discussions among healthcare professionals can provide insights based on personal experiences and clinical judgment. This can be especially valuable in complex or unique cases where established protocols may not fully apply.Strong bonds with colleagues: Verbal communication fosters collaboration and mentorship, thereby building stronger professional relationships. Challenges Barriers to communication: Verbal communication in acute settings can be prone to misinterpretation and miscommunication, potentially leading to errors in patient care.Time constraints: Finding the right person to consult in a busy healthcare environment can be time-consuming, potentially delaying critical decisions.Lack of reproducibility: Unstructured knowledge sharing relies heavily on individual experiences, making it less reproducible and consistent across different healthcare providers. To maximize its benefits and mitigate its limitations, healthcare organizations should strive for a balanced approach that combines structured protocols with opportunities for open communication and ongoing education. This way, healthcare providers can leverage the strengths of both structured and unstructured knowledge sharing to deliver the best possible care to their patients. Technology's Role in Knowledge Management Technology is a transformative force in the field of healthcare knowledge management, changing how healthcare professionals access and utilize information. Interestingly, technology adoption is slower than you might think with only 75% of US hospitals using electronic health record systems, and the UK and Australia only recently investing in digitizing healthcare services. But consider these benefits technology holds for knowledge management: Seamless collaboration: Centralized knowledge management systems create a common platform where healthcare professionals from diverse specialties can collaborate effortlessly, bridging the gap between departments.Uniform access to best practices: Regardless of their role within the healthcare system, every professional gains access to best practices tailored to their specific responsibilities. Efficient decision-making: When healthcare providers have immediate access to a centralized knowledge repository, they can make informed decisions swiftly. Eliminating outdated information: Real-time updates continuously refresh the knowledge base, ensuring that healthcare professionals are always working with the most current and invaluable data. Immediate access: Whether at a patient's bedside or in the operating room, healthcare providers can access critical information immediately. C8 Health: The Knowledge Management Maestro C8 Health offers a centralized knowledge management system tailor-made for healthcare settings. It's all about ensuring everyone has access to best practices based on their role and point of care. "The outcome is real-time updates that eliminate the specter of outdated information, ensuring that everyone receives the most current and invaluable knowledge precisely when they need it. This directly translates into enhanced patient outcomes and improved decision-making." In a world where knowledge is king, C8 Health ensures that every healthcare professional can wield that power efficiently, making a real difference in patient care. Learn how anesthesiologist, Max Feinstein M.D., uses C8 Health for streamlined access to medical guidance Navigate Knowledge Management With Confidence By having access to a centralized platform that consolidates data from different systems, healthcare providers can easily identify best practices and implement them across the network. This not only promotes standardization but also enables collaboration and knowledge sharing among hospitals, ultimately improving the quality of care provided.
a doctor holding a tablet with icons coming out of it
Patient careHow to Identify Gaps in Healthcare and Close Them EffectivelyDuring Covid-19, guidelines for surgery and testing became a major issue. In the operating room, particularly during general anesthesia, medical staff faced a higher risk of Covid-19 exposure—up to 10x more likely—due to ventilation and close patient contact. Guidelines on when to test surgical patients were frequently updated, often weekly, and this inconsistency extended to handling Covid-19-positive patients, both in and out of hospitals. The lack of clear guidelines led to care gaps, frustrating patients who sought answers from uncertain medical staff. This ambiguity resulted in numerous surgery cancellations, impacting finances and causing critical care delays. The confusion not only affected patient outcomes but also lowered staff morale and patient satisfaction. Below, we take a look at how to identify gaps in care plus how to close them effectively. Meet the Expert Ido Zamberg M.D. is a board-certified physician (General Internal Medicine and Anesthesia), currently a Fellow at the Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada. How to Identify Gaps in Healthcare Create Guidelines and Protocols for a Unified Foundation As clinicians, our primary tool is knowledge. That's why experts from academic institutions worldwide invest significant time in research, which forms the foundation of evidence-based medicine. From these research findings, another set of experts dedicates years to crafting guidelines. These guidelines, in turn, inspire the creation of protocols, which are localized interpretations of broader evidence. Protocols are essential because they standardize and coordinate care. If every medical professional adheres to the same protocol, there's a unified understanding of the approach to take. Put Guidelines and Protocols into Practice Once these guidelines and protocols have set the benchmark, they're an effective tool for identifying gaps in healthcare. Healthcare facilities and practitioners can: Compare actual care practices and outcomes against the recommendations in guidelines and protocols. Inconsistencies represent a gap in the respective areas.Measure if staff adhere to the guidelines and protocols. If not, this indicates a gap and should be investigated. By identifying gaps in healthcare, organizations can improve patient outcomes and the overall quality of healthcare services provided. But once identified, how do you address these gaps? Strategies for Closing Gaps in Healthcare 1. Understand Why Gaps in Healthcare Exist To fix the problem, you have to understand where it comes from. By addressing the underlying issues, interventions can be targeted and tailored to address specific problems, leading to more successful outcomes. Healthcare facilities can get more insight into the root of the problem by: Making data-driven decisions: Analyzing relevant data like clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction surveys, and more can help to close gaps in healthcare.Involving healthcare practitioners: These professionals are hands-on when it comes to following guidelines and protocols. They have unique and practical insights on why best practices are effective or not. 2. Invest in Centralized Knowledge Management One of the primary challenges in bridging the knowledge gap is ensuring that once a protocol is established, medical professionals are both aware of it and adhere to it. Plus, protocols may be scattered between departments, so locating and updating protocols at any point becomes tricky. This is where a robust knowledge base becomes an integral tool in a clinician's daily operations to help close gaps. Clinicians can: Instantly access information in a centralized repository, including clinical, practical, and administrative knowledge.Make timely updates and inform all users.Upload various content formats.Monitor advanced analytics to assess content consumption and engagement. Effective knowledge management means crucial information reaches clinicians, guidelines for various procedures are established, and knowledge gaps are identified. Identifying and Closing Gaps with C8 Health The crux of the matter is that while organizations like the American College of Cardiology or the American Heart Association produce guidelines, these are considered recommendations. Every medical institution has its unique set of equipment, staff, capabilities, and available medications. As a result, these general guidelines must be adapted to fit the specific needs and resources of each institution, transforming from broad recommendations into localized protocols. This customization is essential because even two hospitals in the same city might have vastly different practices. This is where the significance of C8 Health's system comes into play. It recognizes that medical protocols aren't universally applicable. "We provide a trusted platform that promotes standardized protocols for many scenarios, supported by timely updates. Clinicians are increasingly inclined to consult the platform when facing dilemmas, enhancing patient outcomes and their own confidence." Find out how anesthesiologist, Max Feinstein M.D., uses our platform to streamline medical guidance and collaboration. Bridging Care Gaps for Better Healthcare In the healthcare landscape, addressing care gaps is paramount, as exemplified during the Covid-19 pandemic's uncertainties. To effectively bridge these gaps, healthcare organizations should employ data-driven decision-making by analyzing data and involving practitioners to understand the root causes. Centralized collaboration platforms like C8 Health play a crucial role in ensuring accessible, adhered-to protocols. These platforms, while recognizing the need for customized guidelines, promote standardized care and empower healthcare professionals to enhance patient outcomes.
risk management in healthcare
Patient careThe Role of Risk Management in Healthcare QualityHealthcare is such an intricate industry that identifying and assessing potential risks ahead of time is paramount. Whether you're a registered nurse or a surgeon, understanding the strategies employed in risk management can offer useful insights into the complex web of healthcare quality and patient safety. Let's explore the key strategies and methodologies employed to identify and assess potential risks in healthcare and why they're so important. Meet the Expert Ido Zamberg M.D. is a board-certified physician (General Internal Medicine and Anesthesia), currently a Fellow at the Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada » Want to standardize care within your organization? Check out C8 Health. Identifying and Assessing Risks in Healthcare While risk management in hospitals on a large scale is a specialized field, we can glean valuable insights from healthcare practitioners who assess and anticipate risks daily. Consider the realm of anesthesia, often regarded as one of the riskiest professions globally. Anesthetists work with patients who might be in optimal health one moment and entirely dependent on their expertise the next. The stakes are exceptionally high. For example, an expectant mother enters the hospital to deliver her baby, and anesthesia becomes a crucial part of the process. To identify potential risks, healthcare professionals employ systematic processes whether documented or not. These tools help assess any potential hazards associated with a specific surgery or procedure. The evaluation occurs during the preoperative phase, either during pre-anesthesia consultation or in emergency cases when the patient is first encountered. Defined questions and checklists ensure that everything is covered before any medical procedure commences and can significantly enhance perioperative care. A surgical timeout, a practice inspired by aviation safety practices, also occurs. In it, all the stakeholders related to anesthesia, surgery, and perioperative care assess potential risks associated with the procedure. Basically, identifying and assessing potential risks in healthcare demands a systematic approach to every procedure. Understanding roles in the surgical pathway, from preoperative to postoperative care, is crucial. This meticulous preparation allows anesthesiologists to navigate complex scenarios with confidence. Mitigating Risks in Healthcare Identifying potential risks makes it easier for healthcare professionals to follow systemic mitigation protocols. Imagine a scenario where a patient has a known allergy to an essential antibiotic. In this case, early identification of the allergy allows doctors to develop a proactive action plan. This plan may include specific steps to address the risk if it becomes a reality. Such measures could involve administering steroids, modifying post-operative care procedures, or closely monitoring the patient to effectively minimize the potential risk. The core of risk mitigation lies in evidence-based guidelines and protocols. These guidelines offer a structured approach to identifying and addressing anticipated risks. Each step is meticulously planned to minimize potential harm. Moreover, collaboration among healthcare professionals is indispensable in successful risk management, ensuring every detail is accounted for. » Want to make the most of your team's protocols? Organize them with C8 Health. The Role of Interdisciplinary Teamwork Interdisciplinary teamwork is the linchpin of healthcare quality and patient safety. In a busy operating room (OR), every member has a critical role assigned based on their expertise. For example: Surgeon: The surgeon is the primary medical practitioner responsible for performing the surgical procedure. Anesthesiologist: Anesthesiologists are responsible for administering anesthesia to the patient and monitoring the patient's vital signs throughout the surgery, ensuring the patient remains stable and pain-free. Nurses: Nurses play a crucial role in the operating room. This includes the circulating nurse (manages the OR environment) and the scrub nurse (maintains the sterility of the surgical field).Surgical Technologist: Also known as a scrub tech or operating room technician, this healthcare professional assists the surgical team by preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and ensuring that everything needed for the surgery is in place.Surgical Assistant: A surgical assistant may work alongside the surgeon to provide additional support during the procedure. Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET): BMETs ensure that all medical equipment and devices in the OR are functioning correctly and safely. Anesthesia Technician: An anesthesia technician assists the anesthesia team by setting up and maintaining anesthesia equipment, including monitors and machines.Operating Room Manager: This administrative role ensures the smooth flow of cases, schedules surgical procedures, and manages the overall operation of the OR suite. Each health professional has specific toolsets, roles, and experience. It's essential to ensure each professional knows their role. Today, simulations in healthcare emphasize multidisciplinary approaches. Effective communication and clear role definitions are central to these simulations, reflecting the lessons learned from aviation and similar fields. Coordinated care enhances patient outcomes and elevates overall healthcare quality. » Coordinate care with our C8 Health platform. The Future of Risk Management in Healthcare As we peer into the future, risk management in healthcare is poised for transformation. Patient safety and quality are gaining prominence, driven in part by the shift towards value-based care. This model compels healthcare providers to adhere to specific protocols and guidelines, demanding efficiency without compromising safety. Furthermore, the healthcare landscape is gradually recognizing the need for concrete pathways and protocols, and technology is the driving force behind this evolution. Though challenges persist, there's a growing awareness that safety and quality measures are not mere inconveniences but essential components of effective care. Evidence-based workflows will likely become ubiquitous, aiding physicians and clinicians in implementing protocols anytime, anywhere. In the coming years, we anticipate a healthcare ecosystem where safety, quality, and efficiency coexist harmoniously, thanks to the transformative role of technology. This integration of technology is ultimately ensuring the best possible care for patients and helping healthcare providers navigate the complex landscape of risk management in the modern healthcare industry.