Traci Hedrick, MD, MS, FACS, FACRS, serves as Vice Chair of Clinic Affairs and Operations for the Department of Surgery at University of Virginia Health.
On May 21st, Dr. Hedrick will give a presentation on "Optimizing Perioperative Care Pathways" at Becker's Hospital Review 3rd Annual Health IT + Clinical Leadership + Pharmacy Conference. As part of an ongoing series, Becker's is talking to healthcare leaders who plan to speak at the conference, which will take place on May 19-21, 2020 in Chicago.
To learn more about the conference and Dr. Hedrick's session, click here.
Question: What initiative are you most excited about today at your healthcare organization? How will it affect the future of healthcare delivery?
Traci Hedrick: There is a lot to be excited about in medicine today with a broader focus on the patient experience through advanced technology and multidisciplinary collaboration to develop standardized care pathways. Traditionally medicine has been slow to standardize care processes which has led to waste and inefficiency. With increased recognition that outcomes can be improved through collaboration and standardization, more institutions are realizing the power of bridging the gap between health care providers.
Q: When it comes to innovation, what are some common pitfalls you see healthcare organizations making?
TH: Innovation has the power to improve efficiency and patient experience. Oftentimes, however, the end-user is not involved in the development of innovative technologies leading to unfulfilled potential.
Q: What is the most important lesson you've learned about delivering excellent patient experience?
TH: Patients just want to be well informed and treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.
Q: What do you see as the most dangerous trend in healthcare right now?
TH: In my opinion, the increasing reliance on the electronic medical record is the most dangerous trend in healthcare right now. Although designed with the best intentions, in many cases, it has led to significant increases in healthcare costs, inefficiency, reduced patient experience, and an increasingly disgruntled workforce.