Perfect timing
July 14, 2020
Supporting you with Workplace Relations
July 14, 2020
FROM THE CEO
What’s missing? U R. Creating policies without input from medical practitioners misses out on a very important piece of healthcare puzzle.
OVER RECENT months, COVID has given the world an appreciation of the vulnerability of humans. People all over the planet are also acknowledging the role of medical professionals and the sacrifices they make for the health of their patients. The work of doctors and other healthcare workers to improve treatments, to research vaccines, to conduct public health messaging, and to otherwise save lives has been nothing short of heroic.
However, at the same time, we are seeing policy which so frequently forgets to think about the doctor at the centre of providing care. At the moment, we are considering issues such as the bundled obstetric model and the provision of services to public patients in private hospitals. In both instances, the one aspect that seems to have been overlooked in the planning and operation of these schemes is how doctors feel about their role. Do they feel valued, were they included, is their work recognised and rewarded?
This concern for “provider satisfaction” is reflected in what is known
as the ‘Quadruple Aim’ – essentially, a framework for high value care that has four overarching principles: improved experiences for patients, better health outcomes, lower costs, and improved clinician experience. Whilst originally developed as the ‘Triple Aim’, the role of the medical professional in health-care transformation was later identified as a critical piece of the puzzle.
It is widely acknowledged that improving the experience of providers can reduce burn out and overall dissatisfaction of clinicians, and that having an engaged and productive workforce is central to an effective healthcare system. Thus, the Triple Aim was expanded to include a fourth goal – improving the experience of those providing care.
Post-COVID, if we are going to improve the healthcare system, then we must strive harder to ensure medical practitioners have greater opportunity to participate in the formation of policies that will ultimately impact on their satisfaction. As an organisation, that is what AMA (NSW) will continue to work towards and the part of the overall value we offer to our members.