A Slippery Slope
How Can We Avoid Creating Abusive and Threatening Situations in Healthcare?
Addressing PCP Concerns
How Can We Minimise the Concerns Caused by Prolonged Wait Times at Specialists?
Soma Chakraborty Founder and Managing Director Goodace Hospital
A Dazzler’s Dynamism
Dreaming Healthiest India Vision and Realizing it with Goodace Hospital
From
A
ThisstoryofSomaChakraborty-who,
hailingfromanillustriouscareerasa successfulmarketer,tookituponherselfto foundGoodaceHospital-walkstestimonyof resilience,vision,andpowerintheaudacitytopivot. Sherepresentsadynamicentrepreneurwho exemplifieshowdeterminationandadaptabilitycould bridgeseeminglydisparateindustriestosomething moreimpactful.
Hercareerwasinthefieldofsalesandmarketing, withsuccessinaviation,insurance,andcorporate leadership.Thenbetweentheyearsof2008and2010, alife-alteringaccidentchangedhercourseoflife.An accidentdamagedherandherdaughter.Ittookabout ayearforrecoverytime.Financialandemotional stresstestedherwill,butSomacameoutstronger withanewsenseofpurposehealthcare.
In2010,sheforayedintothehealthcareindustryby workingat Kolkata's Institute of Neuro Science.For morethanadecade,sheworkedinleadership positionsformanyprominenthospitals,masteringthe intricaciesofpatientcareandoperationalstrategy. Shefinallyrealizedhervisionbyestablishing GoodaceHospital,a54-bedmulti-specialtyfacility cateringtomiddle-classfamiliesin2021,amidthe COVID-19pandemic.
Soma'sinnovativeleadershipfocusesonpatientcentriccare,affordability,andsustainability.With governmentschemeslikeSwasthyaSathi,Goodace HospitalreachedfreeOPDsandhealthcampsacross thecountry,increasingaccessforthedisadvantaged communities.Somaisalsoembracingdigitizationby usingadvancedtechnologiestoimprovepatient experiencesandrunoperationsmoreefficiently.
Despitefinancialconstraintsandskepticismfrom peers,Soma'sdeterminationwasunwavering.Her disciplinedapproach,focusonqualitycare,and commitmenttoempoweringherteamhave establishedGoodaceHospitalasabeaconofhopefor affordablehealthcare.
Soma'sphilosophy,"Failure is not the opposite of success; it's a stepping stone,"underscoresher journey.Hercouragetopivothasredefinedwhat's possible,inspiringotherstochallengenormsand followtheirdreams.Assheenvisionsexpandingher healthcarefootprintandfosteringahealthierIndia, Soma'sstorydepictedinthis Insights Success Media’sspecialeditionof‘CouragetoPivot:Soma Chakraborty’sBoldTransitionFromMarketing toHealthcare,’standsasapowerfulreminderthat successstemsfromperseverance,innovation,andthe couragetoembracechange.
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Dreaming Healthiest India Vision and Realizing it with Goodace Hospital
Failure is not the opposite of success; it's a stepping stone to success. Embrace it, learn from it, and rise stronger.
Failureisthegroundonwhichyoumakethestaircase
tovictorybysuccessfullyachievingyourdreams.
Dreamsyoudaredtopursueamidstallodds.Infact, “Failure is not the opposite of success; it's a stepping stone to success. Embrace it, learn from it, and rise stronger,” saysSomaChakraborty,whonotonlydaredtodreamand realizethembutalsodaredtopivotwhenithadbeen desiredbyherheartandaimedbyhermindtoboldly transitionfrommarketingtohealthcare,twoindustrieson thedifferentsidesofthespectrum.
Asthedynamicrealmofleadershipconstantlyevolves, womenlikeSoma,whoexemplifyresilience,innovation, andempathy,areattheforefrontofshapingIndia'sbusiness andhealthcaresectors.AstheFounderandManaging Directorof ,Somahasemergedasa GoodaceHospital trailblazer,provingthatwithgritanddetermination,itis possibletopivotfromoneindustrytoanotherandleavean indeliblemark.
Soma'sjourneybeganwithoutadefinitiveroadmap.She harbouredanunyieldingdesiretocreatesomething meaningfulbutlackedaclearplan.Fromherfirstroleasa juniorsalesexecutiveatTajBengal,Somaventuredinto aviationandinsurance,excellingineverypositionwiththe mindsetofgivingherbest.Theseroleslaidthefoundation forhereventualleapintoentrepreneurship.
Today,asapioneeringfigureinthehealthcaresector,Soma hasbrokenthroughglassceilingsandchallenged stereotypes,creatingpathwaysfornumerouswomento
chasetheiraspirationsandrealizetheirfullestpotential.Her leadershipextendsbeyondconventionalboundaries, encompassingvariousareassuchasbusiness,philanthropy, education,andsocialactivism.Throughherinnovative initiativesandinclusiveleadershipstyle,Somahas empoweredwomentodismantlebarriers,questionsocietal norms,andemergeascatalystsforchangeintheirown right.
Whenweattemptedtohonourherwithatitlelikethe trailblazingentrepreneurialleader,shehumblyremarked,“I would like to confess that a huge step is pending to become a trailblazing leader in the world. I have achieved very little. Though I always celebrate this small achievement, which motivates me to go ahead for the next goal.”
Soma'sjourneyillustratesthestrengthfoundindaringto dreamandtheunwaveringresolverequiredtotransform thosedreamsintoreality.Fromayoungage,Somanurtured ambitionsofestablishingasuccessfulcareer,drivenbyher dedication,passion,andrelentlesspursuitofsuccess.Her refusaltobelimitedbyconstraintsortraditionalideasof retirementhighlightshercommitmenttoexcellenceandher unquenchabledesiretocreateameaningfulimpactthrough herendeavours.
ForSoma,theroadtosuccesshasbeenforgedthrough dedication,dreams,andsteadfastdetermination.Shefirmly believesthattheseattributesarecrucialforanyoneaspiring tobecomeasuccessfulentrepreneur.Herexperiencesaffirm thatsuccessisnotmerelyaproductofluckor circumstance;rather,itistheresultofhardwork, perseverance,andaresolutecommitmenttoone’sgoals.
Adevastatingaccidentbetween2008and2010drastically changedSoma'strajectory.BothSomaandherdaughter sufferedinjuries,leadingtoayear-longhiatusduringwhich Somacaredforherchildanddepletedhersavings.This period,fraughtwithfinancialandemotionalhardship, becamethecruciblethatforgedherresilienceand adaptability.
Despiteencounteringchallengesandsetbacksalongthe way,Somaremainedsteadfastinherpursuitofherdreams. Fromherteenageyearsonward,sheaspiredtocreateher establishment,fueledbyadeep-seateddesiretoforgeher pathinlife.Evenwhenfacedwithadversity,Soma demonstratedremarkableresilienceanddeterminationto overcomeanyobstaclesthatarose.
My journey began at Taj Bengal as a junior sales executive. I then ventured into aviation and insurance, consistently striving to deliver my best, as if each role was my nal destination.
Herjourneyexemplifiestheresilienceandcourage necessarytonavigatedifficultiesandemergestrongerthan before.Sherecognizesthatnojob,team,orinstitutionis perfectfromthebeginning;however,thewillingnessto embracerisksandseizeopportunitiescanleadto extraordinaryaccomplishments.Somafirmlybelievesthat everyopportunitypresentedisablessing—achanceto achievesomethingremarkableandmakeasignificant differenceintheworld.
CalltoHealthcare
In2010,SomafoundanewcallingattheInstituteofNeuro Science,Kolkata.Thisrolemarkedthebeginningofher
forayintothehealthcareindustry,whereshehonedher marketingandmanagementskills.Overthenextdecade, shenavigatedleadershiprolesinrenownedhospitals, masteringthenuancesofpatientcare,operations,and businessstrategy.By2021,shehadthecourageandvision toestablishherhealthcarefacility,GoodaceHospital.
AccordingtoSoma,theessenceofhealthcare entrepreneurshipliesininnovationandconsistently balancingpatientexpectationswithoperationalefficiency. Sheexplainsthatpatientstoday,especiallypost-pandemic, aremorevocalandassertiveabouttheirhealthcareneeds. Theirexpectationshavetransformedacrossindustries, includinghealthcare.
"One of the best ways to manage customer expectations during uncertainty is proactive communication,"Soma emphasizes."Don't wait for patients to reach out with complaints or feedback. Keep them informed of changes, delays, or challenges, explaining the reasons, impacts, and solutions with honesty and empathy. This shows care for their needs.”
Adaptabilityandinnovationarekeytomaintaining equilibriuminservicedelivery.“Uncertainty can open doors to new possibilities. Embrace change, experiment, and learn,”Somasuggests,highlightingtheimportanceof adoptingnewtoolsandmethods,exploringuntapped markets,andcontinuallyenhancingskillsandpracticesto meetevolvingdemands.
Somabelievesinproactivelyaddressinggapsandrisks.
“Reviewing and improving service delivery standards is essential for sustainable growth,”shenotes.Herapproach isrootedinapatient-focusedphilosophy:“Before starting any venture, identify your clientele. My hospital was designed for lower-middle-class families, leveraging government schemes to ensure affordability and accessibility.”
Recognizingthevastandever-developinghealthcare industry,Somaadvocatesforcontinuousadvancement.“To adapt to changes, adopt modern technologies, consult with experts, and ensure high-quality treatment at an affordable cost,”sheadvises,urginghealthcareproviderstochallenge stereotypesandprioritizelong-termpatientbenefits.
Herbalancedapproachexemplifiesthesynergybetween innovationandpatientcare,creatingafoundationfor sustainableandimpactfulhealthcareleadership.
StartingGoodaceHospitalcamewith itsownsetofchallenges.Somafaced financialconstraints,broken partnerships,andscepticismfrom peers.However,shetackledthese hurdleswithunwaveringresolve.She adoptedadisciplinedapproachto runningherhospital,focusingon deliveringexceptionalpatientcareand fosteringacultureofservice.
Soma'sjourneyisatestamentto resilience,determination,andthe powerofdreams.Afterasuccessful 12-yearcareerincorporatehospitals, shefeltacallingtomakeatangible differenceinthelivesofothers. Motivatedbyavisionofproviding affordablehealthcare,sheembarkedon achallengingjourney
TheCOVID-19pandemicunderscored thecriticalneedforaccessible healthcare,particularlyformiddleclassfamilies.Thisfurtherfueled Soma'sdeterminationtorealizeher dream.
In 2008-2010, a severe accident left my daughter and me injured. I took a year off to care for her, depleting my savings. This setback taught me resilience.
Drawingonher18yearsofmedicalexperienceand leveragingherextensivenetwork,Somameticulously plannedandexecutedhervision.Despitesignificantfinancial challenges,shecommittedhersavingstofundtheproject.
Risingfromadversity,Somatransformedherdreaminto reality.Herunwaveringdedicationandperseverancehave madeasignificantimpactonthehealthcarelandscape, improvingthelivesofcountlessindividuals.
Soma'sunwaveringdedicationtohealthcareisevidentinher remarkablejourney.In2021,amidsttheheightofthe COVID-19pandemic,sheopenedherhospitaldoorsto providecriticalcaretothoseinneed.Despitethechallenges posedbythepandemic,sheremainedsteadfastinher missiontoprovideaccessibleandaffordablehealthcare.
My guiding philosophy is believing in embracing failure, taking accountability, and transforming it into success. This mindset has fueled my entrepreneurial growth.
Inunderthreeyears,SomatransformedGoodaceHospital intoa54-bedmulti-specialityfacilityequippedwith modernICUs,modularOTs,dialysisunits,andateamof highlyskilledprofessionals.Herhospitalcatersprimarilyto middle-classfamilies,addressingthecriticalneedfor affordablehealthcare.TheCOVID-19pandemic underscoredherhospital'simportance,asitbecamea lifelineforover200patientsduringthecrisis.
Asherhospitalgrew,Somaexpandeditsservicestoinclude awiderangeofmedicaltreatments,fromroutinecheck-ups tocomplexsurgeries.Sheprioritizedpatientcare,ensuring thateveryindividualreceivedthehighest-qualitytreatment. Bypartneringwithvarioushealthschemes,shemade healthcareaccessibletoabroaderpopulation.
Hercommitmenttoaccessibilityisreflectedinher partnershipswithgovernmenthealthcareschemeslike SwasthyaSathiandtheWestBengalHealthScheme,as wellascorporatehealthprograms.ThroughfreeOPDsand healthcampsinunderservedareas,Somaextendsher hospital’sreachtothosewhoneeditmost.
Beyondclinicalexcellence,Soma'sHospitaliscommitted tocommunityoutreachandpreventivehealthcare.Through freeOPDservicesandhealthcheck-upcamps,theyaimto improvetheoverallhealthandwell-beingofthe community
Soma'sjourneyisatestamenttothepowerofhuman compassionandthetransformativeimpactofselfless service.Herunwaveringdedicationtoherpatientsandher unwaveringcommitmenttoprovidingqualityhealthcare havemadeherhospitalabeaconofhopeintheregion.
Thehealthcareindustryisrapidlyundergoingdigital transformation,andSomaisaligningherhospitalwiththis globaltrend."Digital transformation optimizes operations, improves patient experiences, and reduces costs through innovative technologies,"sheshares.Herhospitalhas significantlybenefitedfromdigitization,enabling personalizedcare,seamlessconsultantcommunication,and efficienttrackingofpatientdata,medicines,and consumables.Teleconsultationserviceshavefurther bridgedthegapforpatientsabroad."I also plan to establish a Greenery Hospital in the future,"sheadds,emphasizing sustainabilityalongsideinnovation.
Recognizingemployeesasthebackboneofsuccess,Soma prioritizesskilldevelopmentandengagement."New employees should understand the organization's history, and my HR department ensures this,"sheexplains.Alongside professionaltraining,motivationalculturaleventskeepthe workforceinspired.Despitechallengesduringthehospital's inception,Soma'sleadershipnurturedteamresilience.
"When creating something big, challenges are inevitable," sheacknowledges."Clear purpose and mission empower employees, enabling quick, informed decisions even in tough situations."Thisclarityfostersprogress,motivates teams,andrejuvenatestheirenergytoachieve organizationalgoals,reflectingSoma’sunwavering commitmenttogrowthandexcellence.
Soma'sinspiringjourneyservesasatestamenttothepower ofthehumanspiritandthepursuitofdreams.Her unwaveringcommitmenttoprovidingaccessibleand affordablehealthcarehasmadeasignificantimpactonthe community
Lookingtothefuture,SomaenvisionsahealthierIndia.She aimstoestablishanetworkofhospitalsacrossthecountry, ensuringthatqualityhealthcareiswithinreachforall.By expandingherhealthcareecosystemtoincludenursing colleges,medicalcolleges,andpharmaceuticalindustries, Somaisworkingtowardsaholisticapproachtohealthcare.
Herleadershipstyleischaracterizedbyempathy, compassion,andarelentlesspursuitofexcellence.She inspiresherteamtostriveforthehigheststandardsof patientcareandtomakeapositivedifferenceinthelivesof others.
Soma'svisionisnotjustaboutbuildinghospitals;it'sabout buildingahealthierfutureforgenerationstocome.Her unwaveringdedicationtohermissionmakesheratrue inspirationtoaspiringentrepreneursandhealthcare professionalsalike.
Somaenvisionsexpandingherhealthcarefootprintby establishingmultiplehospitalsindifferentstates.Sheisalso activelyseekingventurecapitaltofuelglobalgrowthand improvehealthcareaccessibility.
I'm seeking venture capitalists to fuel global growth.
Soma’sleadershipphilosophyfocusesonbuildingtrust, fosteringcollaboration,andnurturingtalent.Herabilityto setambitiousgoalswhilemaintainingempathyhas positionedherasanexemplaryleaderinherfield.
Somaforeseeatomorrowwhereaccessible,high-quality healthcareiswithinreachforthemiddleclass.Her ambitionistoestablishanetworkofhospitalsacross variousstatesstaffedbyrenownedspecialists.Toachieve this,sheemphasizestheimportanceofstrongleadership principles.
Shebelievesthateffectiveleadershipisrootedinselfawarenessandaclearsenseofpurpose.Byunderstanding one'sstrengthsandweaknesses,leaderscaninspireand motivatetheirteams.Amanagementphilosophycentred aroundtrust,empathy,andaccountabilityfostersapositive workenvironmentandempowersemployeestoreachtheir fullpotential.
Soma'sSevenPrinciplesforLeadershipGuideHer Approach
Ÿ BuildTrust: Foster strong relationships based on honesty and integrity.
Ÿ SetAmbitiousGoals: Encourage team members to strive for excellence
Ÿ EmpatheticLeadership: Understand and address the needs and concerns of your team
Ÿ Empowerment: Provide opportunities for growth and development.
Ÿ PositiveEnvironment: Create a positive and supportive workplace culture.
Ÿ RespectfulLeadership: Treat everyone with dignity and fairness
Ÿ ContinuousLearning: Encourage skill development and knowledge sharing
Byembodyingtheseprinciples,Somaaimstocreatea healthcaresystemthatmeetstheneedsofpatientsand upliftsthelivesofhealthcareprofessionals.
Soma'sexceptionalleadershiphasbeeninstrumentalin shapingGoodaceHospitalintoarenownedhealthcare institution.Shebelievesthatastrongteamisthefoundation ofsuccessandemphasizestheimportanceofselectingthe rightleaderswhocaninspireandmotivatetheirteams. Buildingtrustandloyalty,ratherthanrelyingonfearor authority,iskeytoeffectiveleadership.
Somaunderscoresthedetrimentalimpactofegoon leadership.Sheadvisesaspiringleaderstoprioritizehumility andempathyandfosterstrongrelationshipswiththeirteam members.Byrecognizingandvaluingeachindividual's contributions,leaderscancreateapositiveandproductive workenvironment.
Beyondherprofessionalaccomplishments,Somaisdeeply committedtosocialjusticeandequality.Shehasactively supportedinitiativestoempowerwomen,educate underprivilegedchildren,andprotecttheenvironment.Her philanthropicendeavourshavemadeasignificantimpacton countlesslives.
Soma’sachievementshavegarneredhernumerousaccolades, including:
Ÿ TheGlobalHealthcareOutstandingLeadershipAward (2021),
Ÿ TheBengalPrideEmergingEntrepreneurAward (2021),and
Ÿ TheChangeMakerAward(2022)fromtheRotaryClub.
Ÿ In2024,shewasnominatedfortheInternational Women'sLeadershipAwardforStartupsin Dubai. Her storyhasbeenfeaturedinprominentpublicationslike WomenWorldIndia,FemmetimesMagazine,andShe InspireMagazine.
Soma’sjourneyisatestamenttothe transformativepowerofresilience, vision,andservice.Shebelievesin turningfailuresintoopportunitiesand learningfromsetbacks.Heradviceto aspiringentrepreneursistofocuson service,empowerteams,andembrace challengesasopportunitiesforgrowth.
Soma’sstoryinspirescountlesswomen tobreakbarriers,challengenorms,and pursuetheirdreams.Hertransition frommarketingtohealthcare exemplifiesthecouragetopivotand thedeterminationtocreatemeaningful change.ThroughGoodaceHospital, Somahasnotonlyredefinedaffordable healthcarebuthasalsosetabenchmark forwomenleadersacrossindustries.
Growing up, I had no clear plan, just a burning desire to do something of my own.
Forotherstogetinspiredbyherstory, Somasharesthemilestones:
Ÿ 54-bed hospital with dialysis.
Ÿ NABH entry-level accreditation.
Ÿ Pursuing QCI accreditation.
Ÿ Expanding trauma and critical care services.
Ÿ Establishing a Cath lab for cardiac procedures
Herjourneyremindsusallthatsuccess isnotastraightpathbutaseriesof leapsfueledbypassion,perseverance, andacommitmenttoexcellence.
Why are the conflicting conditions emerging in the
new healthcare institutions? Newhealthcare institutionsarefacingaknotofconflicting situations,arisingfromanumberofreasonswhichchallenge thetraditionalmodelofpatientcare.Theseinclude,butare notlimitedto:ResourceConstraints:
Budgetarylimitations:Increasingthepriceofmedical technology,pharmaceuticals,andpersonnelcausesresource issueswhichforceverytoughdecisionsconcerningthecare forthepatient,staff,andavailableservices.
Criticalshortagesofcriticalsupplies,equipment,and personnelcanleadtobottlenecksinthepatientcare processes,causingabacklogintheprovisionofcare.
TechnologicalAdvancesandEthicalIssues:
Rapidadvancementsinmedicaltechnologyaremaking incrediblenewpotentialforimprovementinpatient outcomes,atthesametimeposingethicalissuesofscarce allocation,potentialmisuse,andimpactonthecostof healthcare.
DataPrivacyandSecurity:Becausehealthcareisever increasinglyreliantupontechnology,usingelectronichealth recordsandtelemedicine,therehavebeenconcernsthatrelate toprivacyandsecurityoverdata.
InterdisciplinaryCommunicationGaps:Communication andcoordinationamongthehealthprofessionalsarean importantcomponentinensuringproperhealthcare. Sometimes,breakdownsoccur,whichcouldleadtoincorrect diagnoses,delayintreatments,andless-than-idealoutcomes forthepatients.
Patient-providerCommunication:Theprimaryelements thatwouldhelptoformtrustbetweenpatientsandhealthcare providersareeffectivecommunicationbetweenthem.But sometimeduetotimeconstraints,languagebarriers,and culturaldifferences,theeffectivenessoftheircommunication islost.EvolvingPatientExpectations
IncreasedPatientExpectations:Moreisexpectedon personalizedcareandtheavailabilityofhealthinformation, furtherimplicatingpatientautonomyindecisionsthatregard theirhealthcare.Thechallengeremainsinmaintainingahigh standardofcarewhilestillsatisfyingthechangingdemands.
HealthcareConsumerism:Increasingconsumerismin healthcarewherepatientsarebeginningtoviewhealthcareas aservicecancreateconflictoverthecost,choice,andaccess.
StaffingShortagesandBurnout:
Burnoutandcompassionfatigue:Highlevelsofstressand burnoutareexpectedamonghealthcareworkers,especially nursesanddoctors,becauseoftheirheavyworkload, emotionaldistress,andpressuresattheworkplace.Thismay translateintolowerjobsatisfaction,increasedturnover,and eventuallyonpatientcare.
Staffingshortage:Thedeficitofqualifiedmedical professionals,nurses,physicians,andothersupportingstaff maybeinsufficient,overburdentheavailableresources,and compromisepatientcare.
Complexityinlegalandregulatoryframeworks:Legaland regulatorycompliancehasbecomecomplexwithinthe healthcaresetup.Itwillchallengethehealthcareinstitution tocomplywiththelegalrequirementsofpatientsafety,data privacy,andbilling.Complianceoftheseregulationsmight takemuchtimeandrequiresubstantialresources.
LiabilityIssues:Healthcareproviderssufferfromsevere liability-relatedconcerns,whichraisesdefensivemedicine practice.Hence,thepracticeincreasesthehealthcarecost. Thesearejustsomeoftheimportantfactorsthatbringa conflictingsituationinmodernhealthcareinstitutions.To eliminatetheseproblemsamulti-facetedapproachtothe improvementofcommunication,anenhancementof interdisciplinarycollaboration,staffwell-being,and technologyutilizationinordertoimproveefficiencyand patientcareisneeded.
Healthcaresettings,dedicatedtohealingandcompassion, sometimesbecomebreedinggroundsforabusiveand threateningsituations.Sucharealityisbornoutofthe complexinterplayoffactorsthatinclude:
Thenatureofthehealthcaredeliveryprocessishighly demanding.Withrisingpatientvolumesandascarcityof resources,thelevelofstressincreasesbothforthepatients andhealthcareproviders.Itdoesnottakemuchtotranslate intofrustrationandanxiety,followedbyverbalandeven physicalaggression.
Miscommunicationorincorrectinterpretationandthelackof appropriatecommunicationcansometimescauseconflictor evenitself.Onceagain,languagebarriersanddifferencesin cultureandwhatisexpectedoneithersideofpatientand providerinteractionscanleadtomisunderstandingand inadequatecommunication.DeficientSupportMechanisms: Weaknessinworkforceandincompletesecurityarrangement andlackofde-escalationtrainingamongsthealthcare professionalscreateaclimateoffearandintimidation.
SocialandEconomicFactors:Poverty,unemployment,and socialisolationcancontributetoariseinaggressionand violencewithinthecommunityandspilloverintothehealth careservice.
This multi-dimensional problem requires a multi-dimensional response:
BetterCommunicationandTraining
CommunicationSkillsTraining:Thehealthcareproviders havetobefullytrainedincommunicationskillsanddeescalationtechniquestodealwithhostilepatients.
CulturalSensitivityTraining:Culturalawarenessand sensitivitytrainingwillhelpprovidersbetterunderstandtheir patientsinotherwords,communicate.
Activelisteningandsympathytowardshealthcareproviders encouragemorerobustpatient-providerrelationshipsthat reducetheincidenceofconflict.
PatientEducation:Thetreatmentthatapatientwould receivecanbediscussedwiththeminadvance,thusaidingin themanagementofexpectationsamongthepatientsandin theiranxietylevel.WorkplaceSafety:
AdequateStaffing:Properstaffingwillreducethestressand burnoutamonghealthcareprofessionals.Thiswillthen reducethechanceofthembeingaggressiontargets.
ImplementationofStrongSecurityMeasures:Strongand robustsecuritymeasures,suchassurveillancesystems,panic buttons,andtrainedsecuritypersonnel,canimprovethe securityconditionsofhealthcareworkers.
Rootcauses:
SocialDeterminantsofHealth:Socialandeconomic determinants,suchaspovertyandunemployment,should alsobeaddressed.Thiswillreducetheincidenceofviolence fromthecommunitytothehealthcareservicesthemselves.
Thus, with all these strategies, health care organizations would be able to foster a safer and more caring environment for patients as well as health care workers, which is everyone's focus: quality patient-centered care.
Disclaimer:Thisisgeneralknowledgeandprovidedmerely forinformationpurposesandcannotbereplacedbymedical advice.
hecomplexnetworkofhealthcarealways leavesthefirstpointofcontactforthe patientswithprimarycareproviders (PCPs),butoneofthesignificantchallengesinthis systemisthelongwaitperiodbeforespecialist consultations;thisconcerncanbestressfulnotonlyfor patientsbutalsoforPCPs.Specialistappointmentsdelay theprocessofsometimelydiagnosis,extendssome treatmentplans,andincreasespatients'anxietylevel.These issuesneedtobeaddressedbystrategicmeasuresthatcan improveaccessandreducewaitingperiods.
Long wait times for specialists often result from a combination of factors:
• Demand-SupplyImbalance:Thenumberofspecialists incertainfieldsmaynotmeetthegrowingdemandfor theirexpertise,especiallyinruralorunderservedareas.
• InefficientReferralSystems:Outdatedoroverly complexreferralprocessescancreatebottlenecks, delayingappointments.
• AdministrativeHassles:Heavypaperworkandtheneed forpriorauthorizationslowthereferralprocessdown.
• PoorCommunication.CoordinationbyPCPsto specialistsfailssothatpotentialoverlapsincarearen't consolidated.
Not Showing Up in Appointments; patients fail to show up causing other people waits longer.
Longwaittimesforspecialists,frustratingandpotentially leadingtoburnoutforPCPs,astheyspendtimemanaging thecareoftheirpatientsuntilanappointmentcanbe scheduled.Forpatients,thisdelaymayactuallymanifestinto worseninghealthconditions,increasedanxiety,and perceivedunresponsivenessinthehealthcaresystem.These arechallengesthatnecessitateproactivesolutions.
Telemedicineandotherdigitaltoolsmaymakeaworldof differenceinreferralprocesses.Electronicreferralsystems helpPCPsbettercommunicatewithspecialists,makingit possibleforthesent,received,andprocessedreferralsin
real-time.Suchsystemsmayalsoautomaticallyprioritize urgentcasesaccordingtopredefinedcriteriatoreducedelay incriticalpatients.
Teleconsultationscanalsoexpeditespecialistaccessfor initialconsultations.Thismethodnotonlysavestimebutalso determineswhetherapatientneedstoseeaspecialistin person.
2.IncreasingtheSpecialistWorkforce
Tobridgethegapbetweendemandandsupply,long-term investmentinhealthcareeducationandworkforce developmentisneeded.Governmentsandhealthcare organizationsmustprovideincentivessuchasloan forgivenessprogramsandcompetitivesalariestoattract medicalgraduatesintospecialtiesthatareinhighdemand.
Increasingtheshort-termcapacityofspecialistsbydeploying physicianextenders,suchasNP'sandPA's,istrainedin specialtycare
3.Promotingbettercommunicationandteamwork
Itishighlyimportantthatthereisclearandeffective communicationbetweenPCPsandspecialists.Coordination ofcarecanoccurthroughcooperativecaremodelswhere PCPsandspecialistsworkaspartofaninterdisciplinary team.Regularcasereviews,sharedEHRs,andopendirect linesofcommunicationcanpreventunwarranteddelaysand assurethatalltheprovidersareonthesamepage.
Open-AccessScheduling
Open-accessorsame-dayschedulingallowsacertain percentageofaspecialist'sdailyappointmentstobeleftopen forurgentorlast-minutecases.Thisflexibilitycan accommodatepatientswithcriticalneedsandprevent unnecessarydelaysincare.
No-showsareoneofthemajorcontributorstolongwait times.Reducingno-showscanbeachievedbyautomating reminderstopatientsthroughtexts,emails,orphonecalls, andevenimposingpenaltiesonpatientswhocontinuallymiss appointments.Virtualconsultationsalsomakeiteasierfor patientstoattendtheirscheduledappointments.
Patientscomeintospecialistcarewithproblemsthatcanbest betreatedbyPCPs.Theeducationofpatientswiththescopeof primarycareandempoweringPCPstohandlemorecomplex caseswillresultinfewerconsultations,leavingspecialistcare forthosewhoneedit.
Theurgentcarepathwaysmay,therefore,providequickaccess tospecialistservicesforconditionswhosespecialisttreatment requiresatimelystart.Thesepathwaysprioritizereferrals accordingtoclinicalurgency,ensuringthatthemostseriously illpatientsaretreatedfirst.
Theroleofpolicymakersandstakeholders
Minimizingspecialistwaittimesrequiresacollectiveeffort frompolicymakers,healthcareorganizations,andinsurers. Policymakersmustaddresssystemicissues,suchasfunding shortagesandworkforcelimitations.Insuranceproviders shouldmakepre-authorizationrequirementslessburdensome toreduceadministrativedelays.Healthcareorganizationsalso needtoinvestintechnologyandtrainingprogramsthat optimizereferralprocessesandimprovepatientoutcomes.
Tomakesurethesepoliciesdeliverresults,thehealthsectors shalldevisemonitoringmeans.ThismightincludeKPIslike theaveragewaitingtimes,patientsatisfactionscores,and percentageofurgentreferralsdealtwithinasettimeframe. Auditingandfeedbackloopswillhelpthemidentifyareasto improveandrationalizeprocesses.
Oneofthegreatestchallengesinaddressingspecialistcare accessislongwaitsforappointments.Thischallengewill affectnotonlythepatientsbutalsotheprimarycareproviders, whooftenreferpatientstospecialistcare.Therefore, understandingandaddressingtheunderlyingcauses, developingtargetedstrategiestoreducewaittimes,improve access,andoverallpatientsatisfactionrequireaholisticeffort fromhealthcaresystems.Suchaholisticeffortmustinclude theproperuseoftechnology,anincreasedworkforce,a collaborativeenvironment,andeducatingthepatientsareall essentialcomponentsofthiseffort.Withaunifiedapproach, thehealthcarecommunitycantransformthischallengeintoan opportunitytodelivermoretimelyandeffectivecare.
Whether you think you can, or think you can’t –you’re right.
- Henry Ford