Creating Win/Win’s for SPD, OR and MM

Creating a balance between departments and functions in any healthcare setting can be challenging. However, with slight shifts in the execution of tasks between roles and tasks, real interdependencies can be managed and help to foster an environment that will help to keep the flow of work aligned with the rest of the business necessities of the center.

Each of these unique departments has such a tie to the other, and subsequently to the patients that receive care from our facilities. It is imperative that the functions each do mirror the overall goals and objectives of the organization.

In order to accomplish this, each department must be a part of the development of the set of goals or objectives. Working solely as independent departments will not only potentially cause a disconnection of intended outcomes, but also further separates each from the other in a time when collaboration is crucial.

·        Consider to hold weekly meetings with both staff and management from the three departments. Management alone is not enough. Direct information from the staff level is one of the most important factors needed to properly assess where you are from a process and outcome perspective, which is directly needed to make any future changes or to prepare for new norms.

·        Create a work plan that incorporates the initiatives of each so disconnects can be mitigated as best as possible.

·        Ensure changes in operations are communicated to the other departments and functions before they occur. Request feedback. What you might believe is a simple change that would not affect anyone else or any other department, just might.

These are just a couple of suggestions to hopefully get you better started to think outside of the box and initiate your own ideas of how best to work with and alongside departments that truly are a part of your team.