As I reflect on the week, I am inspired by the opportunities to find common ground and the milestones we have already achieved.. This week a major focus was on Systems Dynamics work....gathering information on the current economic reality of healthcare in Whatcom County. We started a conversation in Seattle with a Medicare Region 10 representative and staff from the congressional representatives offices . We arrived as a community of concerned people, asking for cooperation to problem solve together- not to ask for more money. I will not soon forget the comment from one of those individuals wondering out loud how we had created the level of cooperation they saw in evidence in the room...patients, insurers and healthcare organizations from one community working together to figure out how to build and pay for a better system. Ongoing through the week as our consultants, Jack and Gary worked with each individual organization, there were good minds wrestling with a complex problem- trying to understand the dynamics of a complex system from many angles.... Imagining how to create a win-win benefit when we improve outcomes for patients is not an easy task. The work has begun and will continue through February. It was a strong start.
Barriers were removed this week: Computers arriving at SeaMar clinic so that electronic connectivity for their staff and patients could be realized. Patient Satisfaction surveys translated to spanish were completed. Use of the diabetes registry is but a short step away for SeaMar.
Roland Trenouth at North Cascade Cardiology completed a proposal for support from a company who has developed a method to more accurately diagnose congestive heart failure and included a request for their support to add another Clinical Care Specialist. His commitment to changing the patient experience is constant. Referrals to our two clinical care specialists were received from all clinics- patients who need assistance in developing self-management skills - they were not hard to identify.
This week the Pursuing Perfection Team grew by three - Dawn, Terry and Stacey. Their unique gifts and talents were welcomed to the team. We are a strong team of 12 - hired to support the change and transition necessary to promote and encourage transformation of a system. Today, I witnessed amazing teamwork and appreciation for the human side of challenge. They do not step back from challenging situations, they do not back away from each other in adversity. Through those actions, they demonstrate courage and compassion. From my perspective, they are the perfect team to make this journey. It will be filled with learning, growth and passion. I can't imagine the journey without them. It is because of who they are, I am confident Whatcom County will have the support needed for a successful transformation.
