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A note on input from contract staffers: A bit of diplomacy will be required.
You could see pushback when "You shouldn't do it that way" meets "This is
how we've always done it." Make sure your anesthesia providers are able to
be collaborative, not dogmatic, since you can't unilaterally change practices
that affect everybody. Involve the entire team in a discussion of the changes
they suggest, as well as alternative solutions, before you consider implement-
ing them. As members of a team, we all have a common goal: to achieve out-
standing patient care, efficiency and cost effectiveness. The beauty of a team-
work approach is that everyone brings a different perspective.
They bring acompetitive edge
Anesthesia providers don't always recognize all the benefits they can
bring to your facility and your patient care. In a competitive healthcare econo-
my, though, a reminder that you're aiming for efficiency, value, and patients
who are pain-free and back to their daily lives in days can encourage your
providers to be invaluable team members and help get you the results you're
looking for.
OSM
4
Dr. Frederick (pfreder1@maine.rr.com) is the
director of anesthesia services at the Plastic Surgery
Center in Portland, Maine.
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