Implementing Buddy Healthcare’s care coordination platform in clinical settings is a transformative step for care units. The platform fundamentally transforms how care is coordinated, how communication is facilitated between the patient and healthcare professionals, and how clinical workflows are optimised. As the platform has a significant impact on the work of healthcare professionals, successful implementation is vitally important.
Successful implementation requires careful planning, multi-disciplinary stakeholder collaboration and clear communication of the objectives and benefits to ensure the platform meets patient and clinical needs. Here are some essential tips to guide your clinical team through a smooth and effective implementation project.
1. Engage key users and stakeholders early in the implementation process
Involving key users and stakeholders from the beginning is crucial. Include care professionals from every stage of the patient care pathway to gather diverse perspectives and requirements. This approach helps design care pathways that meet the needs of all involved. Early involvement fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the project's success.
Pro Tip: Designate “clinical champions” to coordinate the rollout within the hospital departments in close collaboration with the Buddy Healthcare Customer Success Managers.
2. Define clear objectives and success metrics
Setting well-defined objectives and measurable outcomes ensures the platform's impact can be effectively tracked. Establish goals such as reducing administrative workloads or decreasing appointment no-show rates. Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with these goals, such as:
- Reducing patient phone calls by 50%.
- Saving at least 60 minutes per patient during the pre-operative phase
3. Communicate objectives and benefits
Clear communication is vital to success and staff and patient engagement. For the project to succeed, the staff must understand the benefits of the platform and the reasons why the platform is used.
Ensure that healthcare professionals understand how the platform automates care coordination, reduces administrative tasks, and supports patients. Similarly, patients should be informed of the patient engagement app's benefits with straightforward instructions. Include easy-to-understand instructions and clearly communicate how to take the mobile app into use and what are the benefits of the mobile app to make patients feel comfortable with the app and reduce potential questions or frustrations. This reduces uncertainties and builds trust in the technology.
Pro Tip: Share success stories and benefits from other similar projects in the past that highlight positive results, further motivating and engaging the staff to understand why the platform is taken into use.
4. Embrace new ways of working and leave old ways of working behind
As mentioned earlier, implementing the platform is a major transformative step for the care unit. The clinical team should approach this as an opportunity to improve and modernise care coordination and communication, even if it means stepping away from practices that have been followed for several decades. Letting go of the old methods and bravely embracing new, more efficient ways of working is essential for the project's success. Change is challenging, and it is human to be uncertain about what the change will bring, but by committing to change, the care unit can unlock the platform's full potential and establish more effective workflows for the future.
Pro Tip: While the platform offers many benefits, it’s essential to remember that some patients may not be tech-savvy or ready to use mobile apps. In these cases, offering alternative communication and care coordination methods is crucial to ensure inclusivity and access for all.
5. Provide comprehensive staff training
Effective staff training is essential for successful platform adoption. Ensure staff are confident in using the platform’s features and functionalities and eventually know how to use the platform. Include hands-on sessions, troubleshooting basics, and quick-reference materials for ongoing support.
Pro Tip: Flexible “hop-on-hop-off” training sessions at their convenience can be more effective than those scheduled at specific times. This flexible approach enables staff to train at a pace that suits their workday.
Following these steps can significantly increase the likelihood of a successful implementation. Buddy Healthcare’s Customer Success Team is here to support you throughout this process and ensure that your goals are met. Together, we can transform care coordination, making it more impactful for healthcare teams and patients alike.
