Responses to Thanksgiving email

As promised, I want to keep you up to date on responses to the staff email included in the post below. The email certainly struck a chord, and the replies give you a sense of the range of feelings within our hospital. This is the one that sticks with me the most and gets to the heart of what I would like to change: This facility provides great pay and benefits. Fulfillment, though, is something that I seek elsewhere. What a shame that we cause anyone to feel that way!

Remember, these were not anonymous replies, and I am fortunate that people here are so forthright with me. These are mostly unexpurgated and presented in the order I received them, so you get the vicarious pleasure of reading both the good and the bad. And yes, you can laugh (or groan) with me at the humor!

I am guessing that people in other hospitals will see common themes -- or would, if they asked the questions.
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Hi Paul,

You're SO right about the fetching!!!

Three things come to mind:

1. On rounds, I spend at least twice as much time looking for patient charts as I do with the patients. This is due to simple lack of consideration by my colleagues who feel they are too important to spend their time putting the chart back when they're done with it---some consciousness-raising here would be great!

2. We had a semi-similar program here in the 80's called "Prepare 21" as in "prepare for the 21st century." (But I'm sure you already knew that. . .) People were very skeptical about the program until they received their first "incentive" check which distributed the cost savings the hospital realized during that quarter from implementing the suggestions made, then suddenly the whole staff was on board and knocking themselves out for new ideas. (It would have warmed your heart if you had been here then.)

3. In the movie "Mean Girls" (a classic) the girls tried to introduce a "cool new word" into the vernacular; that word was "fetch" (as in, "your new sweater looks really fetch.") Maybe the inspiration for the new program's name could come from there???

All the best for a great Thanksgiving (the best holiday of the year, since it is the all-American, non-sectarian, no-gift-giving-pressure holiday devoted to family, eating, and football.)
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What a wonderful email Paul !!

I am proud to be a part of BID.
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I think it should be named The 3rd Hand...since every nurse wishes she/he had an extra hand and also, tends to multi-task beyond the call of duty.
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Hello Paul,
It might be a "fun" idea to have a contest on picking the program name.
My program name would be "let’s have fun getting it done".
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Paul—
I loved this communication. I’m ready to get involved!
Hope your Thanksgiving is also wonderful…
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Hello Mr. Levy,
Hospitals typically make use of an antiquated hierarchical form of management. This is true for the BIDMC, and we keep using a playbook which relies on scolding and belittling the staff. And yet we continue to call upon outside consultants to speak with the staff, while year after year the existing management teams treat input from the front lines with contempt.

Why can’t our current management staff learn from their own teams? Is it a feather in our cap to point out that we are hiring—paying for—outside consultants to find out how we can improve? Can we not "capture value" and get "lean" with our current leaders? Whenever I have an opportunity to answer survey questions, I always respond, "Please talk to your staff."
I’m convinced that this could work.

I don’t mean to have a disrespectful tone. This facility provides great pay and benefits. Fulfillment, though, is something that I seek elsewhere. How many former managers in our midst want nothing to do with leadership positions? Your concern and good wishes for Thanksgiving—and for the general improvement of the professional development of the staff are genuine and appreciated. Thank you.
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Truth is, we also spend tragic amounts of time documenting instead of being in contact with patients. Even more than fetching.
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Hi
I love this idea.

When I am rounding, I spend a lot of wasted time looking for and "fetching" charts that were not put back on the rack after someone used them. This shows lack of respect for whomever they think will put them away (reminds me of my teenager…)
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Thank you. Happy Holiday to you and to your loved ones as well. My suggestion for the title is "Let us make it work, TOGETHER".
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Dear Mr. Levy,
What a wonderful way to start my day. My motto has always been in my 30+ (ahem) years that "This is not just a paycheck". I truly believe if this program is successful, that employees will take pride in their work and feel "valued" and that they are not here to simply put in their time and then go to the bank for survival. The increased self esteem will also be such an added perk.
I hope you have a safe and happy holiday as well.
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Mr. Levy,
I normally don't write back on these sorts of things, but this one has caught my attention. I personally can answer no to two of your questions. Many employees in my position feel like the extra's we do go unnoticed but if we make an error it is immediately noticed. Each day I come to work and think about the person on the other side of my counter (the patient). I treat each patient as if he/she was my mother or father. I try to instill in others that patients come here because they are usually sick. This is especially true in my division (thoracic surgery). The last thing any patient or family member needs to hear is "I don't know" or feel as though they are bothering us. I love what I do for work and I would relish the thought they our supervisors would notice a job well done. Telling someone they have done a good job goes a long way and brings a smile to the employee. Feeling good about your job is an important part of doing a good job. Thank you for taking on a project to make each employee feel as thought he/she is a valued employee. My suggestions for a name for your upcoming program are: Feel good at work and I matter.

Happy Thanksgiving.
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Hi Paul,
This is very, very exciting news. Your idea is wonderful. I have one suggestion that you might find of value. It may be helpful to create a hotline, either a phone or email based response venue that allows employees to report stuck ideas.

The one thing that is very discouraging is when people work hard on finding solutions only to have them get "lost" in the system. One of the major stumbling blocks in a large institution like this is that what one person does can and often does affect others in different departments. So when a change is proposed, it has to go through a committee. It is important that feedback be given to those who worked on a solution, especially if it is discovered that one aspect of the problem is made worse by the proposed solution. They should be encouraged to work with the department to find an acceptable solution.

In order for employees to feel empowered, they need to have a voice in finding out what is happening to their proposal.

I really appreciate your leadership. We are truly lucky to have you as our team captain.
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Dear Paul,

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family also. I want to compliment you on the wonderful vision you have at just about everything you do and say and plan, I truly appreciate all your efforts.

Yes, you caught my attention and in my opinion you are right on target. I think BIDMC does a superb job generally but I believe there is always room for improvement. The thought that keeps coming to my mind about what to call the 'program' is to look at it from the perspective of why these "work-arounds" can be so prevalent. I think it is because of how we all choose at times to 'overlook' things. Such as "oh well that was the last 'whatever', I don't have time to tell somebody my patient needs me now, I am sure someone else will order more", etc. I think a good name for the program might be DO. Which I believe would stand for Don't Overlook. If just a few more people chose to not overlook something we could be even better than we already are to our patients and fellow staff.

Thanks for caring so much.
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Good day Mr Levy,

You should name the programs (DRKN) it identify the three questions. D is for dignity, R is for respect, K is for knowledge, and finally N is for notice.
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Hi Paul
I find this idea intriguing, I have a suggestion with a little humor attached:
S uggestions
M aking "SMILE"
I nstitutional
L ife
E asy

Enjoy the Holiday
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Good Morning Mr. Levy,
This message may be one of hundreds that you receive this morning alone; I just wanted to drop a quick note to thank you for your timely message. This is an issue that I have been bringing in to work recently. It's nice to know that it is being discussed and that more is to come.
I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.
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What comes to mind-
Smart Care
Working Smart
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HOW ABOUT "FETCHING R-E-S-P-E-C-T"------I think ARETHA FRANKLIN would respect this choice!!!!!!!
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A suggested name for this program: RESPECT = Representing Evaluating Specialties Provides Excellent Consistency Throughout

Happy Holiday!
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Hi Paul,
This is VERY exciting! I work in the OD group. I've spent a lot of time with the Nursing groups for the survey work......one of their big complaints is this "fetching" you describe. They're tired and frustrated.

I look forward to learning more about this critical initiative!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Drive safely.
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Good Morning,
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
One suggestion for a program name – "Streamline to Success"
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What a great idea….When I worked as an Operations Coordinator for Nursing it was a daily challenge.

Maybe we could call it "finding Nemo".
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I love my job....always have.....you might make it more fun?...bring it on
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Good morning Mr. Levy
I know you are very busy and I appreciate your time.

I have been wanting to email you for a bit now.............I came to BIDMC in September as a new Med-Surg CNS for the East Campus. When you spoke to my orientation group you said "if you find something wrong or can't figure out why we do something, tell me soon........for in a very short time you will get used to this way and you won't be of any use to me."

Well, there were a few things here and there but nothing dramatic that you probably weren't already aware of. I have been involved with the LEAN project and that certainly has had an impact on changing work habits, etc.

So why am I writing? Well, two reasons...............
First, I want you to know how genuinely privileged I feel to work here at BIDMC. I have never felt so welcomed or respected. I chose to come here (yes, I had several other offers) and have never regretted that decision. My days are long and challenging but I couldn't work for or with better people.

This Thanksgiving, I have much to be grateful for.

Second, I'd like to be part of the Value Capture project in any way you deem appropriate. I have been trying to find a way to bring the FISH philosophy here to BIDMC http://www.fishphilosophy.com/ It is a simple concept really and incorporates much of what is part of the Value Capture culture....... It is based on the way business is conducted at the Seattle Fish Market.......honestly, I couldn't make this up!

A. Make their day...............what can you do to make your positive energy contagious?
B. Be there..........being fully present in the moment to all of our customers, internal and external. How are you"being" on the job?
C. Play...........is there a way to bring fun into an otherwise serious situation?
D. Choose your attitude.............you can wake up everyday and 'select' your attitude. Hey, everyday you wake up is a good day as it sure beats the alternative!
....all of this may seem simplistic and obvious, however it has true value and is worth considering.

Thank you for your time and attention. I wish you and your family the very best this holiday season.
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Here is my idea.
BID Real MC Time! Or just BIDMC Real Time!
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PROJECT NO MORE BOONDOGGLE
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Hello:
I've been an employee at BIDMC since 1981 and I've seen quite a few changes. We used to have a program called "Prepare 21" where employees submitted ideas and were rewarded with ones that worked and made a positive difference. Art School, perhaps teaching was my first career choice, but soon after marriage and a child, I came to then named "Beth Israel Hospital" and it was one of the best decisions I've made. I continue to enjoy my work today.
I now working in Ambulatory Education & Systems supporting our Ambulatory clinics and working hard to make things work for the practices (and I do teach)! I love taking a creative/out of the box approach to things! Here is my "creative" suggestion:
The BID-HIGH Plan or The BIDMC-HIGH Plan or simply
"BID-HIGH"
"Bidding to Better, Caring to Win"
Thank you for your hard work to better this Institution.
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Paul,
A suggestion below:
"Revolutionize Your Job!"
Free your work flow from cumbersome processes and unnecessary paperwork to get to the heart of patient care and support.
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For the new program's title:
"Because it's right" or It's only right""We're only human" or "Do the Right Thing" or"WHat I learned in kindergarten""It doesn't take much"or"It never hurts to be kind".
Corny, I know, but, I look forward to the program.
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Mr. Levy- Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Name for the new program--- "Our Work is Fun!!!"--
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Dear Paul,
What a refreshing email! It really hits home. There are countless work-arounds every day that we take care of patients. As a nursing supervisor on the evening shift, I get paged for many most basic, mundane things all the time. Interestingly enough, items that should already be at the point of care are prime contenders! Well, the other night I had this dream: I was paged to bring, get this, a bag of composted manure. Yes, you read that right. I woke up and laughed out loud! So, my "fetching" went from the ridiculous to the sublime! At least they didn't want a bag of lime, which is VERY heavy and could have resulted in a work related injury. I applaud your new idea and I hope it can be very successful.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
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Thank you! Happy thanksgiving to you and your family as well- This project/training tool sounds like exactly what BI needs! I would call it ‘project moral’ for employee moral because that is the underlying heart of BI.
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Sounds like a great idea to me and I'd love to be involved.
Love your blog - have never posted, but always read!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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I wanted to write back with a thought. It is clear that like most - or more realistically all - medical center employees, I do a lot of fetching & rework. Certainly some of this is related to inefficient processes, and I agree it's a terrific idea to try to improve these processes.
But another problem is that there is not enough support to enable me to do as much physician work as I'd like to do. I spend a lot of time doing work that a non-physician could do. As you well know, lots of support positions were cut during the hospital's very difficult financial times, and many have never been added back. We manage with fewer personnel, but it means many of us are doing work that really would be more appropriately done by others, and all of us are working significantly harder than we have been in the past.

I had brought this point up at a forum you attended a year or so ago, and you had replied that these concerns were valid, but that medical center's operating surplus was not such that adding staff was realistic.

Working smarter is a good thing, but having enough people to do the job is just as important.
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Good day Mr. Levy,

I am writing back as you suggested with my idea. My Suggestion for a Name:

The HIGH5PROGRAM
(I would have done the text using text art, but I did not have the option on my workstation).

Happy holidays to you and your loved ones.
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Good morning,
The program sounds looong overdue. How about:
"SAS" -SaveAStep (ie get "sassy" about saving time)
Have a great Thanksgiving,
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Suggested program name "If I had my way, we would ……..".
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Hi Mr Levy,
This maybe a start to a name- (driven) program & it stands for d-dignity, r-respect, I- I did it, v- value, e-encounter, n-noticed.
Happy Thanksgiving
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Hello Mr. Levy,
How about the program name of "Innovations"!
Just a thought….This will be a great collaboration and I look forward to it.
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Submitted for your consideration are a few names for the new program BIDMC will begin working on over the next several months:

The Quality Time Initiative
The Get There Program
The Work Around Initiative
The Gotta Go Initiative
The Short Visit Initiative
The Short Stay Initiative
The Focus Program
The Focus Factor
The Prime Directive
The Prime Time Directive
The Can Do Initiative
The Ready for Prime Time Directive

Thank you for taking time to read this communication. I hope the Holiday is a safe and pleasant one for you and your family.
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I don't have an idea for a name - it all sounds exciting - just wanted to wish you and your
family a Happy Thanksgiving.
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Healing the healers.
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Hello Paul,
I am very happy to see that you’ve decided to take on this monumentous challenge. I can’t think of a better way for all of us to focus on improving the quality of service to our patients.

My suggestion is to name this the "Mirror Image" Program because every time that I have a chance to improve patient care or go out of my way to help anyone, I always consider it a chance to treat that person as if it were myself or a family member. My mirror image encounter. At least this works for me and I am always happy to regard myself as the kind of employee that I would want my Mother to meet, for example, if she had to visit BI as a patient.

Thanks for listening!

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One of my college professors once told our class that "Efficiency" is "doing things right" and "Effectiveness" is "doing the right things". This sounds like what this program is trying to achieve so maybe a good name could be "Achieving Efficiency and Effectiveness at BIDMC" or something like that? I’m not crazy about that exact name though… I think it’d be better if the name told people straight out that we’re trying to improve our ability to "do things right" and "do the right things".

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Dear Paul,
Sounds fantastic….I look forward to implementing some of the strategies for home too!
For a title how about "BIDMC - Working from the Inside Out" or "BIDMC - Turning it Inside Out!"
That was the first thing that came to mind. I’m sure it will be very clever! Thanks.

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Putting air in the Cadillacs tires

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A few ideas for names:
Operation Short cut
Operation direct access
Operation Direct path
Operation Straight line
Happy thanksgiving!

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"Slam Dunk"
I’m not aware if there is a more efficient process in sports; among leaders, the objective is achieved more than 98% of the time. It can be done with a flourish, but in most cases it is direct and decisive (and has the same value).

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Dear Paul,
Here is a suggestion for a name: Project Butterfly Effect.
It is not that funny, but it is both, inspirational and scientific.
From Wikipedia: …" The flapping wing [of the butterfly] represents a small change in the initial condition of the system, which causes a chain of events leading to large-scale phenomena. Had the butterfly not flapped its wings, the trajectory of the system might have been vastly different."
Happy holidays!

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Paul,
I'm glad to hear that we are working on this area that we are in desperate need of repairing. I have often found that we get so caught up in the bureaucracy that we often miss the goal, the patient. I work in the Ultrasound department and I have often heard people say that they were hired to do ultrasounds not office work, which translates into less time for quality patient care. I'm not saying that my co-workers do not strive to offer the best care possible, however, it is exhausting sometimes keeping up with everything else that is required of us.
Thank you, for your constant care and supervision of our facility.

P.S
Operation Recovery
Group Care
Caring Group
Fetching Care
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How about "STRAIGHT LINE' .....A more direct way to deliver care without all the obstacles!

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Good morning Paul,
This popped into my head as I popped the turkey in the oven and myself into the shower:
"Heart Work." It speaks to the staff's work ethic, dedication, compassion, commitment to quality, and, of course, and caring.
BTW, I've been a patient rep here for five years and elsewhere for another five.
I would very much like to team up with you when this program launches. You could use someone who can accurately portray the patients' points of view as you make this place even safer and smarter.
Let's talk (turkey?)!

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Dear Paul, The overall idea is excellent, to treat everybody with respect regardless of rank and appreciate others work, but I am not sure how that will cut down all the bureaucratic rules and double work which is forced upon us today. However, in view of the time of launch of this program and its content I think it should be called: "Don’t be a turkey"-program or for short: "No – turkey" program. With best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving

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I want to propose the following as a possible name for the new program.
Solutions
Over time
Lead to
Valued
Employees.

Identify
The solution.

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Mr. Levy,
Thank-you for the opportunity to contribute to this very important effort. As a new employee here at BIDMC, I am very impressed with the collegiality of the staff and the openness to new ideas. My suggestion for naming this program is: The Patient FIRST Initiative.
The letters in FIRST each represent a characteristic needed to accomplish the goals outlined in your commentary.
Focus
Integrity
Recognition
Solutions
Trust
This name also emphasizes and reinforces our commitment to the patient. Every minute of every day should be spent with the patient in mind even when we are not directly involved in patient care. This requires each of us to re-evaluate how we go about our daily work, how we interact with and treat each other as individuals, and what changes we can make to provide the best possible care to our patients.
Thanks again for the opportunity to share my thoughts. It is very refreshing to be asked by the President and CEO of a major teaching hospital for your contributions. I am quite sure that I made the correct choice in coming to BIDMC.

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Hello,

what a lovely email!
I look forward to the fruits of this labor.

Now that I am in a non-patient-care role, I do spend a fair amount of time fetching, but more than that I spend time wondering--wondering what my role is, wondering if the person tasked w/ initiating a meeting will get around to it, wondering what the deadline is--basically, wondering how we are going to work together in a team.

In a front-line clinical situation, roles are clearer, more similar to a sports situation, or an industrial process.

The murkiness is draining.

So, I would be infavor of a slogan that captured the clarity of how teams work together.

Since I don't know a lot about sports, I don't have anything clever to offer, but basically something that captures
1. leadership recognizes that it is tasked w/ helping everyone know their role/position and play their best in that position
2. everyone has their own honor at stake for playing their best in their assigned role.

What do coaches say to people to propel them forward in these ways?

I would love to hear more of that coming from my colleagues' lips!

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Dear Paul F. Levy,
I loved your email. Dare I hope that things might turn around for the caregivers here? You have turned this place around on so many levels but here in the OR on the west campus we continue to suffer and struggle to provide high quality care. Not a day goes by that I don’t consider leaving because of system inadequacies. I won’t waste this email detailing our woes but instead look forward.
Based on your description of us fetching…. I think you might call it the Fido Project. It’s fun, it’s light, it’s non- bureaucratic. Your project can be used to transform "fetching" from a verb to an adjective. I have more ideas but right now I have to run to get something.
Thanks for reading,
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One less step

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Hello Paul,

Well you hit the nail on the head about antiquated systems, etc and also with the 3 questions which allow greatness to be possible. Value Capture is good. It can work here.
I returned to the Deaconess (BIDMC) after working here 25 years ago. I have been caught crying in the bathroom (which shouldn't happen at age 49) both frustrated and disappointed. I thought I was coming back to major league, and I have, except that systems you mentioned are far worse than I had expected for a hospital of such caliber. Even my superiors admit to the chaos. One said to me, "You will learn to function in this dysfunctional environment" - How sad and telling is that!! I want to like my job.

Fetch is a verb which should only apply to a dogs actions, so I will propose your program to be called "No Fetch"
I doubt it'll go over but it is unbureaucratic! How 'fetching' is that!!

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how about Absolute Fabulosity? :)

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Paul Levy,
Thanks for daring to take the steps that have led this institution to firm footing.

Of the past you underscore:
1. Big institutions, like most hospitals, are based on old patterns and systems.
2. Other fields have progressed in terms of process improvement, but medicine is woefully behind.
3. Personal commitment, hard work, and good will, have allowed patients to get extraordinary care, due to "work-arounds" (despite the suboptimal effectiveness of systems).

Goal: Engage the whole medical center in strategic planning.
We seek, the next steps, to advance the process. How to begin to solve the "underlying work process problems."
It's time for us to get "HIP" to the improvements which will drive this organization to superior continued growth. This name ("HIP") is a mix of bureaucracy and modernism, with a flair that grabs attention. In fact that is also the point of the whole new "not-a-program"--to as much as reasonable advance old bureaucratic positions/patterns to more adaptive ones, but accomplish it with a vigor and flair that is exciting, even trend-setting.

It's time to get "HIP" to the New Directions at BIDMC--You tell us how!! You show the way!!

How to improve HEALTH at BIDMC?
Get HIP--(Join BIDMCs' H.E.A.L.T.H. Improvement Program)

Hospital Efficiency And Long Term Healthcare Improvement Program. H.E.A.L.T.H. Improvement Program

Nice because it ties in older concept of Hospital Efficiency Index (HEI), but emphasizes push towards new directions in medicine towards "health," not more classical/currently accepted "management of illness." Such "management" is institutionally embodied in rigid adherence to "work-arounds" that ought to have long been supplanted by systems adjustments. "Management" has its accepted share of the activity at any time, but dramatic advances in treatment (and institutional effectiveness and patient care) will multiply, when a thoughtful process has been engaged about how we can all get "HIP."

Help us get "HIP." Join BIDMCs' HEALTH Improvement Program.
"Setting the trends (viz. synonym for 'hip') for a Healthy Future." Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Issue 1: Working together to be a trendsetter. (Regardless of role or rank, I have real knowledge to share with and about My BIDMC--and WE care, listen and respond to every concern).
Visual 1: You or someone else who embodies the institution (like the Apple vs. PC commercials) could dress in a stuffy way (clearly not your usual style), and act as if they are trying to learn a new dance step.

In the distance an employee who had been cleaning the floor or some other work (holding a mop, or a pipette, or a phlebotomy tray, RN pausing as they put something into the tube system, MD looking over while typing a note into computer) could be shaking their head and laughing, while rubbing their head in amusement.

Another shot could have them sitting next to you working through an issue they identified (showing you/us how to be/do "HIP.")

Help us get "HIP." Join BIDMCs' HEALTH Improvement Program.
"Setting the trends for a Healthy Future." Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.


Issue 2: "Pain" of doing the "training and (learning) new approaches to our work." "Learning!--When's the test?"
Despite the "it will be fun" argument--I'm sure it strikes fear into seasoned staff, nurse and physician alike, and probably even some administrators. "Once again another new procedure, process, system, and an additional layer of paperwork, I have to learn!?" "Fun!--yeah, hearing you loud and clear boss."
(Learning this set of knowledge, tools and support will enhance my ability to contribute to and enjoy My BIDMC and my private/personal endeavors).

Visual 2: Grouchy caricature of employee reading the "Get HIP" announcement, reads the line, "It will be fun." Retorts, "Fun!--yeah, hearing you loud and clear boss. Another set of papers to fill out." (The really jovial medicine attending who works on IT integration, though not so grouchy, could swing this well also.)

In the background or in another frame, the room where the training is going on, can have Club lights and music and people doing the electric slide, while a few are off on the side learning how to do it.

[Learning the electric slide. It's a 'fun' experience, that most people found at least a little difficult--to have to tolerate the learning process. But after doing so, most have enjoyed years of real fun after just a little time adjusting and learning. To bring this right home, the picture could be 'staged' in the cafeteria, as if the cafeteria were going to be the room used to do the "training." All the chairs tables could be stacked to the side, DJ in place and employees (or actors dressed as such), could dance around for the shot and others act the part of learning the new steps. You've got to be in the shot--nice if a few department heads (RN, SW, Cafeteria, Medicine, Surgery, Psychiatry, etc), could swing over for some of the shots also].

Tag line-- Can you do the Macarena?

Get "HIP." Join BIDMCs' HEALTH Improvement Program.
"Setting the trends for a Healthy Future." Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Visual 2A Another Visual or another part of Visual 2, could have people doing limbo dancing, where each person's effort is recognized or "Soul Train" Line Dancing where the whole line watches one person do improvised/interpretative dance. (This could emphasize the notion that many people are pausing to recognize and appreciate each person's contribution).


Issue 3: The Fetch-It/Re-Write Paradox
Visual 3: Harried RN/staff/MD, can be seen in a blurred shot running back and forth for papers/medicines/labs/supplies etc. Or frustratingly copying information from one format to another--yet another time, for billing purposes/or whatever reason.

First screen is all that's needed. With tag- "Don't you think it's time to get HIP?" Join BIDMCs' Health Imp . . .

A second screen, could show person with a light bulb coming on above/in their head.

Third screen, Slick (well-groomed, etc) follow-up shot of same person, with- Are you HIP? button, clipped on to their white coat--no longer harried, but now dancing fluidly (or contentedly proceeding) through their work, in half the time with improved accuracy (improved patient care).

Get "HIP." Join BIDMCs' HEALTH Improvement Program.
"Setting the trends for a Healthy Future." Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.


Question: Do patient's also have the opportunity to get "HIP?" Could be a way to enhance participation in patient survey's of Quality of Care/Treatment Experience.
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Bless you for finally doing something about this!!!! I became an x-ray tech because I never wanted a desk job, but now.....it's just as you said.

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Thanks.
Any chance the project could start in the west campus O.R.? There is so much $$$ waste in staff turnover (requiring expensive temporary staff, overtime shifts, etc). Have you ever seen the list of experienced OR staff who have left here (because of frustrations with the systems)? It’s as long as your arm. Most staff didn’t WANT to leave, they just felt they couldn’t tolerate the dysfunction any more. I know that because I have worked here for 20 years and watched my friends leave one by one.
It CAN be fixed. But it requires that someone important care.
Thanks for reading.

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As institutions like ours are particularly enamored with acronyms, my suggestion is:
Redefining Efficiency - Valuing and Managing Proficiency (RE-VAMP)
Thanks

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Hello Mr. Levy,
Despite having a militant connotation, I suggest "Mission Ready Program". The program has the concept of what occurs in the military before personnel are allowed to go into the field of combat; that is to have all elements of the process by which we deliver our services functioning at the highest level prior to execution. If we think holistically about the challenges we face, it is much like a battle that we must overcome, or better yet a war. We win our little battles with our workarounds, but the war deals with the underlying problem that seeks and needs resolution. Second, the concept of the hospital’s mission statement is evoked. Again in the military it is known by all what the organization stands for and what guides the organization based on the mission statement. Illuminating the idea of the mission statement brings focus of values and pride to the people of the organization. For us to face the challenges that you have laid out, it is a fitting concept.
Thank you for your consideration.

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Dear Paul,
Hope your holidays were wonderful. This new initiative sounds just wonderful and so much in the BIDMC philosophy and spirit. So, in my spare time between patients here are some names. Don’t know if there is a deadline for naming the program and others may come to me if you want more!


Old Problems: New Solutions
Old Problems/Fresh Ideas
Show Us The Way!
Try It, You’ll Like It!
Solution Central
Staff Strategies
2008: In with the New
Not the same old, same old
Anatomy of the Workplace
Better Idea Design Makes Cents
Better Ideas Deliver More Care

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Service Improvement or P.I.G (Process Improvement Group(s))
;)