There have been many valuable lessons learned through COVID-19 pandemic. Quality measures and process improvement activities continue to be a priority however with the rise and falls COVID-19 cases, workforce shortages and high burnout, quality professionals have been juggling the need to report on measures, evaluate areas for improvement and implement change while providing excellence in patient care in the middle of uncertain pandemic. In some situations, quality measure reports has been put on hold or scaled back momentarily.
In looking back over the past two years, the importance of collaboration rings through. Many hospitals across the state and the nation have turned to collaborations not only with their own internal departments, network hospitals but other organizations, associations and independent hospitals across the state. These collaborations and partnerships have aided even the most agile of organizations. Collaborations allow for a pooling of resources, leverage organizational strengthens and opportunity to give back. Collaborations develop connections between organizations, staff, and communities. Instead of working through issues, challenges in silos, collaboration leads to improved problem solving, effective solutions and comradery. Differences are put aside to solve problems and may lead to future partnerships.
As we move further into 2022, the need for collaboration and partnerships will continue. Quality professionals will find themselves continually partnering with internal departments and senior leaders for support in delivering high quality care. At SDAHO, we strongly believe in partnerships and strive daily to work closely with our member hospitals, state agencies, collaboratives and associations across the state and at the national level.
One example of the importance and value of collaboration is the SDAHO HRET partnership with South Dakota Quality Healthcare Association (SDAHQ). These two organizations have partnered to offer Performance and Process Improvement – Leadership “Yellow Belt’ course presented by Sarah Pavelka, PhD, MHA, OTR/L, CPHQ, FNAHQ. This in-person event will be held on April 27th and 28th in Sioux Falls. Participants will learn about these two process improvement tools, Lean and Six Sigma, and identify how to effectively use these tools to best serve their patients. SDAHO HRET expresses appreciation to the SD Office of Rural Health for their support for the upcoming event. Please see the flyer for details and how you can register. We hope you will join us at this upcoming event.
