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The Monthly Pulse – Providers (July 2023)

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'Be a goldfish' and 16 more Ted Lasso lessons for hospital leaders
The Story
Apple TV recently wrapped its award-winning TV series, Ted Lasso. The show follows a UK-based football team and Lasso, the American football coach who winds up leading them unexpectedly. While its main focus may seem to be about sports on the surface, there are several deeper leadership messages that can be taken away, many of which are especially applicable in healthcare right now.
     
What You Should Know
The eternal optimist, Ted Lasso encourages his players to find the good in every situation, and to never focus on the bad for more than 10 seconds (similar to a goldfish’s short-term memory). The character also expresses his vulnerability — a move that can make leaders more relatable — leads with empathy, and empowers his players to embrace challenges. Finally, Lasso reminds us that no one player is bigger than the team, having the courage to take chances can pay off, and we should always keep an open mind to stay teachable no matter how far we’ve come.
     
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The effects of cold compress and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the pain associated with chest tube removal among patients with coronary bypass grafting
The Story
Chest tube removal (CTR) can cause severe pain for patients. In a recent study conducted in Iran, researchers tested the efficacy of cold compresses, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and a combination of these approaches to mitigate pain. Participants in the study received their designated therapy 15 minutes prior to CTR.
     
What You Should Know
Results show that the pain intensity was significantly reduced for patients who received both cold compress and TENS compared to the other groups. The randomized controlled trial only had a small sample, so further research could help confirm the effectiveness of cool therapy and TENS for alleviating CTR pain. Yet, since these therapies are fairly easy to implement, they may be worth exploring as a non-medicated approach to controlling discomfort.
     
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“UFO procedure” for massive aortic and mitral annular calcification involving left atrial and ventricular myocardium: a potential radical solution
The Story
The Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery recently published a case report of a 76-year-old male patient with massive aortic and mitral valve calcification involving the left ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricular outflow tract. To avoid atrioventricular dehiscence, surgeons performed an innovative “UFO” procedure including the replacement of both valves without annular decalcification.
     
What You Should Know
Also known as “combat procedure” or “commando operation,” this complex surgery was first developed to enlarge a very small aortic annulus in 1976. It has since been rediscovered to treat patients with double valve endocarditis with or without an abscess in the intervalvular fibrous body. While modern developments have helped improve outcomes, the surgery remains exceedingly complex and challenging with a high risk of complications, and should therefore be approached only by experienced surgeons.
     
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Leadership Reflections
     
A New Financial Reality
Economic indicators such as GDP, inflation, corporate earnings, interest rates, and unemployment are pointing in so many different directions right now that it’s hard to get a read on where things are actually headed. It is not surprising, then, that uncertainty dominates our healthcare industry. I recently read the article, 30 health systems ranked by operating margins, indicating that out of these top health systems, nearly half of them are losing money. Of those that are profitable, the margins are extremely slim.

Navigating uncertain economic conditions can pose significant challenges for healthcare leaders. Here are some potential strategies to consider:
  1. Stay informed to understand the broader economic landscape and its potential impact on the healthcare sector.
  2. Assess potential risks and opportunities and develop contingency plans accordingly.
  3. Foster agility and flexibility so you'll be better equipped to navigate uncertainties and seize opportunities as they arise.
  4. Conduct scenario planning to anticipate various possibilities and prepare strategies.
  5. Strengthen financial management to weather economic uncertainties more effectively.
  6. Enhance collaboration and partnerships that could open doors to new opportunities and innovative solutions.
  7. Prioritize patient-centered care, since a strong reputation can help your organization withstand economic fluctuations.
  8. Leverage technology and data to streamline processes, improve decision-making, and optimize resource allocation.
  9. Engage and communicate with stakeholders to build trust, alleviate uncertainty, and help you understand their concerns and expectations.
Economic conditions may be uncertain, but strategic planning, adaptability, and a patient-centered approach can help healthcare leaders successfully navigate these challenges and position their organizations for long-term success.
     
     
Daryl Bert
Daryl Bert
CEO
e: daryl@ct-assist.com
t: 540-421-0696
w: www.ct-assist.com
     
Upcoming Events

2023 AANP Fall Conference
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Thurs., Sept. 7 - Sun., Sept. 10
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CREF 2023 42nd Cardiothoracic Surgery Symposium
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Wed., Sept. 13 - Sat., Sept. 16
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OR Manager Conference
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Mon., Sept. 18-Wed., Sept. 20
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Leadership and Advocacy Summit
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Thurs., Sept. 28 - Sat., Sept. 30
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