100 Answers in 100 Days Challenge - Are You Up For It?

So today I sit thinking about multiple discussions that I have had during the past week of work.  There have been numerous conversations as to how we want 2012 to be the “Year of the Patient” and what that is going to look like.  Ultimately, we are here to provide timely, safe, respectful, high quality healthcare services to our customers and their families.  The questions start in my mind:  What needs to happen?  What needs to change?  What supports need to be put in place?  Who are the right people to lead this amazing charge?

In October of 2009, results were released from the Saskatchewan Patient First Review that was conducted by Tony Dagnone.  These results were presented to the Ministry of Health and called for changes as to how patients experience the health system, how health services are delivered, and how the system is managed.  Now this is all fine and good, but I don’t think this was something that anyone would dispute.  And the problem is, this really doesn’t give you a “paint by number” approach as to how it should happen.  So really, it is going to be up to us working in the system to make the Revolutionary Transformation.  And really…so it should be.

Earlier this month, I provided an update on what the SCHR CQI department has been up to over the last year.  There have been some pretty amazing results from the work that we were all a part of in 2011.  But this isn’t the time to “rest on our laurels” so to speak.  Now my problem is I missed signing up for Revolutionary Transformations 101.  My hope is, that all of you didn’t, because I am throwing down a challenge to every single employee of Sun Country Health Region.  I need all of you to give me the answers to the questions I put out at the top.  It’s up to all of you to help put Saskatchewan on the map for delivering the best healthcare found anywhere. 

My specific challenge is this – I want 100 answers in 100 days as to how we can make 2012 the Year of the Patient.  There will be lots of avenues for each of you to give me this feedback:

1)     There is a spot to post feedback on my blog – the link is at the bottom of my signature in all emails and is as follows:  http://www.walkthegemba.blogspot.com/

2)     Send your suggestions to lean@schr.sk.ca

3)     There will be a section on all bulletin boards for everyone to view this challenge; simply put them in an envelope and send them interoffice mail to me.  The boards will be checked frequently and every suggestion will be read.

I would really like to have the opportunity to follow up every suggestion with the individual or group, but I’m hoping the volume doesn’t allow for that!  And it is quite possible that you may not want anyone to know what your suggestion is.  Anonymous or not, please send them in and be sure they will all be considered. 

I have said time and time again that it makes no difference what service line you work in, or whether or not you even deal with patients or families face to face, we all have such an integral role in healthcare.  Without you doing the job that you do, and performing the amazing work that you do, this system will fail.  I often use the analogy of the wheel - if one of the spokes is weak or happens to fail, the entire wheel is compromised.  Similarly, if one of the spokes decides it’s going to try and take on the world alone, it’s going to over shoot the rim and what have you got? A flat tire and with a flat tire where do you find yourself? Pulled over to the side and the race is done.  So if we are to be successful in the race to the top of healthcare excellence, this needs to be a team affair.   

The only way to ensure that Revolutionary Transformation happens is to hear from the folks that really know best (all of you!) and put the Patient in the driver seat and let them hold the wheel as to the direction we are going to take.

In Your Words...

I have been inspired and encouraged over and over this past week.  What follows is just a sample of incredible insights and contributions from many of you.  A sincere thank you to those of you who have responded.  If you are one who did, encourage your co-workers to do the same.  If you haven’t responded yet and feel like you have nothing to add, trust me, we all have something to contribute and I need to hear your perspective.  Visit my blog at www.walkthegemba.blogspot.com for the questions and email your thoughts to me at lean@schr.sk.ca 

I have nothing else to say - the rest speaks for itself!  Enjoy…

…my favorite thing is to see young staff learning something and applying the learning.

…There is always something new to learn, a challenge to overcome and a great team to work with.

…I am in Healthcare to help make someone’s life better for them…to hold a dying client’s hand so they are not alone…to bring a smile to a client’s face by helping them.

…A woman I admire worked as a nurse until she was about 70 years old and had a quiet confidence, a gentle manner, and treated patients with respect and dignity no matter what else was going on.

…I take pride in doing a good job because then my work is always appreciated. If I can do my job and leave things better than I found them there is a trickle down effect which makes the work of others easier to perform.

…I admire my oldest brother – he is a professor/pediatrician/pharmacologist and researcher and he planned his lab space so the staff would have to walk by the waiting room of the pediatric oncology ward.   That way every morning the lab staff would see why they were coming to work – not for the rats they tested – but for the children in those waiting rooms hoping for a cure.  We have to put the patients in all the jobs in health care

…The best part of my job is meeting and assessing new clients for Home Care. The history that is passed on to you in each encounter is wonderful. The client enriches your life with their humour, determination and their personalities. It is always a challenge to prove services depending on their needs and schedules.

…Do something that you love and are very good at. Takes chances in trying new things, it makes you a better person.

…I emphasize the belief that if you find enjoyment in your work it really isn’t work. A persons career path should be chosen by the individual; not chosen for the individual

…I love working with people to make their lives better- whether that means healthier, improving quality of life, making a change to the environment. I feel such immense satisfaction from things like being able to control a palliative patient’s pain- it’s such a great feeling to know you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.

…A team approach will always be a better way to make a difference. We all bring in personal experiences and varied educational specialties.

…I admire my Father as he taught me to always embrace life’s challenges.

…Being a nurse allows me to care and nurture others through difficult periods of time in their lives.

…My career in Healthcare is quite transparent; like that of the stagehand in a theatre, nobody sees what is done but the work is necessary to the actor. My work is important; not front line patient care, but allows that to be performed by others.

…I feel if people aren’t compassionate, they should not work in a hospital.  Sound harsh? So is being looked after by someone who doesn’t want to be there.

…That the hardest experiences have taught me the most, and made me the person I am today- I don’t regret any of them and am thankful for the chance to learn, grow and become better from them.

…Follow your gut- intuition is not to be ignored. Learn how to be honest- even when you have to swallow your pride- ask for help when you need it- admit when you don’t understand something- if you believe something is worth fighting for then do it- regret is likely worse than any consequences you may encounter from speaking up.

…I tell my child to do what makes HIM truly happy and to challenge himself.  That’s what matters the most. Life is too short to be unhappy. And work is work, it shouldn’t define you. You should define what you do, not the other way around.

…Keep fighting the good fight - we can make a difference.