Readings To Consider - 12/31/18
Books and Articles worth a Review…
Become Disconnected – I was just about to start on my latest Fickenscher Files when yet one more email came flying through the ethernet to capture my attention. It was from a colleague who was beside themselves because of a relatively minor disconnect. Such disconnects seem to be happening more and more in the new world of “connectivity”. It brought to mind an article I had recently read by Atul Gwande, MD – the new head of Amazon’s yet-to-be-described health care initiative. He recently posted an article in The New Yorker magazine on a related topic – the use of clinical information systems by physicians. He captured an issue that is all too increasingly common among physicians and others in the health care industry who spend intensive amounts of time in front of computer screens – disconnection and burnout. The tedious nature of clicks and data requirements while offering value on one side of the equation often result in more labor investments on the other side of the equation. The burnout rate among physicians is increasing and some of it stems from the intrusion of computers into the process without adequate revision of the process. Just like the miscommunication with my colleague, the intrusion of the computer screen between the patient and the clinician is becoming an obstacle to conclusion and connection. We should take note. While there are no quick answers, the issue of “connectivity” deserves our special attention. It is what makes for a good clinician…
The Gender Gap Considered – Women comprise about 80% of the health care workforce in the US according to a recent report by The Advisory Board. But, they only represent between 3 – 9% of the leadership workforce for the industry. It’s one of the reasons I became involved in helping to develop the Carol Emmott Fellowship (CEF) Program. The intent of the program is to accelerate leadership capacity for women in health. Individuals selected for participation in the program complete a 14 month long program which includes experiential, didactic, and cohort experiences along with coaching and mentoring from senior health care executives from across the entire industry. It’s a program worthy of your organization’s commitment. If you’re a leader in health care consider contacting the CEF and providing support for an emerging woman leader in your organization. It will pay off in dividends over the longer term for the greater good of the health care community.
