'Back to basics' mentality will spur hospital growth

In the face of budget cuts, consolidations and mergers, hospitals that want to expand their markets must get back to basics and focus on capacity, efficiency and service, according to a Becker's Hospital Review article.

To evaluate whether a proposed new service makes sense, hospital leaders need to consider whether patients and families can access it and if the organization can commit the necessary resources to it. They should also make decisions and evaluate possible services based on whether the community has capacity for them, according to the article.

Organizations must also create an efficient and streamlined process for physicians and patients, who will select the easiest and most positive experience in the new pay-for-performance market. In addition, hospital leaders need to ensure patients are confident they chose the right facility for treatment. This means organizations must create the best outcomes for patients through safety, quality, security, respect and dignity, the article states. Patients need to have confidence that the doctors and the organization work collaboratively and in coordination to provide the best service possible.

Finally, healthcare organizations should convey the correct message to the public by targeting specific audiences in order to influence their future healthcare decisions, Becker's wrote. Organizations must also share compelling stories and achievements to create positive momentum.

To learn more:
- here's the article