Productivity Reimagined

9A Prescription for Better Healthcare

Healthcare, our most important industry, is widely regarded to be in a state of crisis. Much of the problem can only be solved on a national level. However, there is also trouble within the walls of caregiving institutions. Here, productivity is determined by number of positive patient outcomes in relation to the resources applied, and by this measure, many hospitals are struggling.

In this industry, the myths run rampant. Care delivery is badly segmented. Problems are too frequently seen through a myopic financial lens. Many employees feel unsafe, disrespected, and intimidated. And finally, software systems are often superimposed upon wasteful processes, making these processes very difficult to change.

In this chapter, we look at how leaders are confronting the myths in an effort to change all this.

A ROADMAP FOR A BETTER SYSTEM

In June 2023, Health Affairs Scholar published a paper titled “The Better Care Plan: A Blueprint for Improving America’s Healthcare System,” which was co-authored by a group of highly respected US healthcare executives. The paper cited rising concerns about high costs, difficulties navigating the system, and the alarming frequency of injury or death due to preventable medical errors.

“Care is expensive, fragmented, highly variable in quality, and too often unsafe,” wrote the authors in the introduction.¹ The paper calls for sweeping changes to how health services are delivered, paid for, and evaluated. “Healthcare ...