In this special Speaker Series, Becker's Healthcare caught up with Michael Kraus, MD, senior medical advisor and associate chief medical officer at NxStage Medical, and professor of clinical medicine at Bloomington- based Indiana University.
Dr. Kraus will speak on a panel during the Becker's Hospital Review 4th Annual Health IT + Revenue Cycle Conference titled "Ensuring ROI, Improving Physician Satisfaction and More," at 3:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. Learn more about the event and register to attend in Chicago.
Question: How does your organization gain physician buy-in when it is implementing a new technology or solution?
Dr. Michael Kraus: Physician buy-in for new technology is a double-edged sword. First, it is best to understand and vet the technology as much as possible before implementing. As a physician and leader, I try to be the first to roll out the change, and then, I can discuss [it] frankly with my faculty. It is best to understand the limitations as well as the possibilities. [You] need to be sincere with timelines and its effect on busy physician schedules, [and] plan to slow (sic) clinics with large changes, get feedback and be responsive. Most importantly, do not over promise or underestimate the time it will take to implement.
Q: What is the No. 1 thing you wish you knew before taking a leadership post at your organization?
MK: I find leadership training [to be] invaluable. I certainly could have used more, although I participated when it was made available. I wish the MD-MBA program was available earlier in my career. An MBA from a good program would be useful.
Q: What's one conviction in healthcare that needs to be challenged?
MK: We need to challenge culture. As leaders [in the] industry, we need to help physicians adapt to better [ways of improving] patient care. I am a strong believer in more frequent home dialysis and better transitions of healthcare to patients who develop [end-stage renal disease]. Today's culture does not always promote person-centered care, but I look forward to improving care and reducing costs to this segment of healthcare.