Medicare Decisions by Concensus

These kinds of improvement programs work, but they require management support not only of the program but of the health care workers. Health care workers need to be empowered but in today's health environment, the politician is the true ultimate manager, and that manager isn't engaged enough to really support this kind of program effectively.

"No matter what size our organization is, we all seek novel solutions to the seemingly intractable everyday problems that plague us. We’re aware that we need new thinking, fresh ideas, and innovation to make gains in efficiency, quality, and overall performance. The good news is that if we incorporate innovation as a management practice using specific tools and processes, we can all thrive.

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is now offering an exciting new Web&ACTION program, Developing Innovative Solutions to Everyday Problems. This program will assist organizations in creating a successful culture of innovation to increase quality and reduce costs--essential goals in today’s health care environment, particularly with reform on the way. Over the course of this web-based program, experts from inside and outside of health care will introduce efficient ways to identify, test, and implement solutions to hospitals’ common challenges."