Towards a more efficient health care system: Collaboration is central to improving patient flow
At Vitalité Health Network, improving patient flow is a strategic priority. To achieve this, it is essential to strengthen the interconnection and integration of services throughout the care pathway.
Patient flow is integral to all stages of care, from the first encounter with a health care professional to recovery or ongoing health management. In an increasingly complex health care system, where the needs of the population are growing, it is crucial to simplify and optimize the health care pathway. This will involve improving coordination of care, reducing wait times and optimizing the length of hospital stays.
At present, our hospitals are operating at occupancy rates significantly above the safe capacity of 85%. The majority of our facilities exceed 100%, and this has a direct impact on the quality of care and the safety of patients and staff. We must act to ensure safe and efficient care.
To achieve this, it is essential to better manage the length of hospital stays and ensure a smoother patient pathway. Among other things, we need to plan patient discharges upon admission to avoid prolonged hospital stays, which put patient safety at risk.
The integration of different services within the hospital and in the community is essential to ensure optimal care throughout the entire care pathway.
Our ageing population and the rise in chronic diseases present considerable challenges. Currently, approximately 35% of hospitalized patients no longer require acute care and could be managed at home or in the community. Our hospitals are not designed to meet the long-term needs of these patients. Therefore, it has become crucial to strengthen primary care and improve the integration of community services to ensure that patients can age well and safely in an environment that meets their specific needs.
In the near future, the integration of digital technologies will also play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of the health care system. With the help of shared medical records, telemedicine and remote follow-ups, health care professionals will be able to connect seamlessly and provide more personalized patient management. These technologies will not only facilitate access to care but also streamline patient follow-ups, reduce costs, and optimize care pathways.
In 2025, our goal is to transform the health care system by strengthening the interconnections between everyone involved. This transformation will require closer collaboration between hospitals, health care professionals and community partners. Together, we must offer a smoother, safer and more patient-centred health care system.
Therefore, I call on everyone involved in the health care system to collaborate, innovate and commit to a future where every patient benefits from quality care that is adapted to meet their needs in a safe environment.
Jenny Toussaint
Vice-President – Clinical Logistics
The “Voice of Our Leaders,” the blog of Vitalité Health Network’s Leadership Team, covers various topics related to transformation of the health system. The team members share their thoughts – transparently and from their own perspectives – on the issues, challenges and priorities within their areas of responsibility and the health system as a whole. Happy reading and happy reflection!
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