Newsletter

October 25, 2021

 

 

News Spotlight:

Driving Toward Virtual Care Post Pandemic

The shift to virtual healthcare isn’t showing signs of slowing after the public health crisis ends, according to several recent news reports. For example, three health insurers just announced new virtual-first offerings, and Hackensack Meridian Health and Google recently said they are partnering to deploy artificial intelligence in health screenings throughout the system’s clinical environments.

Hackensack Meridian Health already had a robust technology infrastructure in place when the pandemic struck, allowing it to mount a strong response, according to a feature article in Healthcare Executive magazine. At the core of its infrastructure is a single EHR system that spans the network’s facilities, promoting cohesiveness and interoperability. In addition to this and numerous other innovations, 3,000 members of the organization’s medical staff were quick to embrace the use of telehealth.

Learn more on HealthcareExecutive.org about how Hackensack Meridian Health leveraged existing technologies or created new ones in the wake of the public health crisis, and how other healthcare organizations of all sizes are building on what they accomplished in the face of the pandemic by hardwiring innovations to shape new strategies going forward.

Reminder: We Would Like Your Input on Our Strategic Plan

We value your feedback, and we are asking for your input on ACHE’s draft 2022–2024 Strategic Plan. This year, ACHE conducted a “deep dive,” building our Strategic Plan for the next three years from the ground up. We undergo this process every three years to assure we continue to meet the changing needs of our membership and of the healthcare leadership field.

In June, ACHE’s Board of Governors considered input from ACHE’s Regents, chapter leaders, members and thought leaders to develop the draft 2022–2024 Strategic Plan. After gathering your input on this draft plan, we will present final changes to the Board for approval in December. We will share the final 2022–2024 Strategic Plan with all members, along with accompanying explanatory materials.

Please take a moment to review the draft 2022–2024 Strategic Plan, and send us your thoughts, comments and ideas for improvement. You may send your feedback by email to Leslie A. Athey, vice president, Strategy & Research, Executive Office, at strategicplan@ache.org. The deadline for comments is this Friday, Oct. 29. 

Recognizing Chapters’ Diversity and Inclusion Efforts 

Congratulations to the five chapters that received the 2021 Regent-at-Large Award for their accomplishments in diversity. To be eligible to receive an award, a chapter must actively demonstrate commitment to and successful execution of significant diversity and inclusion initiatives within the chapter, community and the healthcare management field. The following chapters received the award during the annual Chapter Leaders Conference, which took place virtually in October.

  • District 1: CT Association of Healthcare Executives.
  • District 2: American College of Healthcare Executives of Central Florida.
  • District 3: ACHE of Greater Ohio.
  • District 4: South Texas Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
  • District 5: Washington State Healthcare Executive Forum.

Your October Gift: The Importance of Ambulatory Care

The pandemic forced hospitals and health systems to reimagine care delivery in numerous ways, and outpatient care was not immune to the upheaval. This month, we are offering two free resources to help healthcare leaders understand the new role of ambulatory care in a post pandemic world.

In a webinar recording, “Ambulatory Care in a Pandemic World: What Are We Keeping, Reinventing and Getting Rid of Completely?” presenters Smitha Ravipudi, CEO, USC Care and Ambulatory Care Services, and David Peng, MD, president, USC Care Medical Group and an expert in telemedicine, describe current challenges in ambulatory care that hospitals and health systems are facing. They also identify approaches for effectively leading changes in ambulatory care to improve care efficiency, effectiveness and outcomes.

Then, in a commentary published in the Winter 2020 issue of Frontiers of Health Services Management, author John J. Lynch III, FACHE, president and CEO of Main Line Health, offers his insights on the “evolving and important role that ambulatory strategy plays for health systems in delivering patient-centered, accessible, efficient, safe and quality care.” He proceeds to write that COVID-19 will have a permanent impact on every aspect of healthcare, especially how we think about the ambulatory care environment. Once considered “nice to have,” an ambulatory care strategy is now a necessity.

ACHE Co-Sponsors New AUPHA Teaching Excellence Award

The Association of University Programs in Health Administration recently unveiled a new award that recognizes efforts in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and social justice. Established by the “Better Together” coalition, the Teaching Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Social Justice Award is sponsored by ACHE, the American Hospital Association’s Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, the National Association of Health Services Executives, the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives and AUPHA. The new award will be presented at AUPHA’s 2022 Annual Meeting, scheduled to be held in Salt Lake City, June 7–9. Information about the process for nomination and selection will be forthcoming.

“ACHE is proud to join our colleagues and diversity partners to support the new AUPHA Teaching Excellence Award in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Social Justice,” said ACHE President and CEO Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE. “This award will help ensure that future leaders in our profession receive an early foundation toward creating a more inclusive, healthier, and equitably future for all those we serve.” 

ACHE promotes diversity and inclusion in the healthcare management field in numerous ways, including through research, policy statements, professional development programs and online communities for LGBTQ and Asian healthcare leaders and allies.

Reminder: Learn, Share and Connect at the National Correctional Health Care Conference

The National Commission on Correctional Health Care invites correctional healthcare professionals to join them Oct. 30–Nov. 3 in Chicago for its National Correctional Health Care Conference. During this five-day event, attendees will find out how peers are innovating and making a difference and how the most effective leaders are improving patient care. They’ll have opportunities to network and make new contacts with others who are facing similar challenges and will learn about best practices and new solutions to chronic problems. With more than 100 educational presentations to choose from, along with preconference seminars, a keynote session, annual awards and more, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Register today.