We are at a time in healthcare where providers are contemplating what needs to occur in order to operate effectively at or below Medicare reimbursement rates while continuing to provide the highest quality of care. We must continue to operate effectively in our current, volume-driven care delivery system while anticipating what the new delivery system of the future will become. One thing is for certain in either system: by creating a culture of continuous improvement organizations should simultaneously improve quality, reduce costs and improve satisfaction.
In order to continue to meet member’s needs, VHA Georgia, Inc. hosted the CEO Health Reform Summit III at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta, GA. This event featured 81 attendees representing 13 of our member facilities. Our members in attendance were able to learn practical information and tools to help their staff and organization transform into a culture of continuous improvement. Additional learning objectives from the summit included:
Overall this event was well received by our members and considered a success. When asked what our members liked most about the program Fain Folsom, Director of Quality Improvement for Archbold Medical Center, Inc. responded, “The break out session where we discussed things at the table with our hospital team. We almost never get to think like that together without interruption or distractions. We could be focused and factual with everyone on the same page after hearing the speakers – it was extremely Valuable!!”
This Summit was designed for executive level management (C-suite), key decision makers, physician leaders, performance improvement leaders and key board members within the VHA Georgia member organizations. This year we were excited to feature one of the nation’s top experts in continuous improvement, Dr. John Toussaint, CEO Emeritus of ThedaCare and the CEO of the ThedaCare Center for Healthcare Value. Dr. Toussiant works with healthcare providers across the country reproducing the success his organization achieved through full implementation of the Toyota Production System (lean, Six Sigma).
It was also our pleasure to feature Dr. John Billi, Associate Dean and Vice President for Clinical and Medical Affairs for the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Billi utilizes and teaches the Michigan Quality System that transforms clinical, academic and administrative functions unsing a uniform quality improvement philosophy. He provided his expertise in lean methodology and its impact in the healthcare industry for our members in attendance at this event.
