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Maintaining Focus in Times of Change
William D. Petasnick
President and CEO, Froedtert Hospital
 As we begin 2010, the economic and political turmoil that we experienced in 2009 continues. While the economy is showing signs of a modest recovery, concern and uncertainty remain. As of this writing, major gaps in healthcare reform policy proposals must still be bridged. It will take several years to accurately assess the impact and understand the implications.
Self-help author Stephen Covey has said, “There are three constants in life—change, choice and principles.” Instead of getting caught up in the minute-to-minute details of each change and the related uncertainty, we can accept change as a constant and make the choice to focus on our principles.
Almost 40 years of healthcare experience confirms that change is constant. However, when I reflect on my first course in health administration at the University of Minnesota, I am struck by the fact that the key principles discussed in that lecture hall remain relevant today.
As a student, I was taught to focus on the issues of cost, quality and access to care to improve our healthcare delivery system. As a leader, my focus is on bending the cost curve, continually improving our quality and providing better access to those who need care.
As we mark the 10th anniversary of the influential Institute of Medicine report, To Err Is Human, we have much to celebrate, including great successes in creating a culture of safety within our hospitals. Today, hospitals are safer and are reporting data about their quality initiatives to the public. However, we must keep changing and enhance our quality and safety to achieve the errorfree environment our patients expect and deserve.
When we accept change as a constant, we are better able to focus on our core mission of patient care. Our work begins and ends with the patient. Public perception, policy changes and a tough financial climate are all distractions. When all is said and done, what really matters is the care we provide to every patient, every day. I wish you and your family a healthy and happy new year.
Source: Froedtert Today Date: January 2010 |
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