Remaining Mindful in the Age of AI

I have had so much joy the past year with all the new large language models (LLMs) and Generative AI becoming a commodity. Still, I shift between euphoria and FOMO almost every second day, just as a result of everything new being released, published, and talked about.

Last week, I had the pleasure of participating in a panel discussion with a few people I admire for their deep insight and broad perspectives: Jeff Trost at Laerdal Million Lives Fund, Amar Dixit at San Mateo Medical Center, and Scott Barclay at Insight Partners. Our discussion was part of the California Norway Business Festival in San Francisco. The conversation encouraged me to share our perspectives on AI within Dossier.

We Can Never Say This Enough

Regardless of any technology or solution you have put together, if it’s not helping your customer solve a problem faster, quicker, and cheaper than before, you have most likely lost focus. And if the problem “just exists” without being solved in a more complex, more cumbersome, and more expensive way today than what you can do, then the problem is most likely not a big enough problem to address. 

Of course, there are nuances, such as the creation of the iPad or any other consumer category that is “creating its own needs.” However, for any B2B business, we have to focus on the problem of making any adaptable technology available. That means a technology the customer is capable of implementing and leveraging. 

I bring this up in relation to AI because, with AI, it’s easy to be over-enthusiastic about the potential capabilities so much that the fascination with advancement possibilities derails us from creating something that’s in the adoption span for our customers. Because any adoption of new technology requires a change in workflow by the customer, we need to ensure the innovation meets the customer’s capacity for change.

Magical Building Blocks

Making software is not so far from building blocks. Start with a goal in mind, then create some design mock-ups based on what you think is possible to make with the available building blocks. Then start to build. 

Often, with an MVP (minimum viable product), show it to customers, have them try using it, gather feedback, and then start the iterative improvement process. With LLM (aka AI), almost out of the blue, we have a whole new range of supercharged building blocks available. As long as we can integrate these blocks into our existing systems, they can accelerate development and bring unprecedented functionalities to our solutions, making them more robust and versatile.

Pack Light, be ready to jump over to the faster train

In an age where technology evolves at breakneck speeds, it’s crucial to remain agile and adaptable. Packing light in this context means avoiding heavy dependencies that could slow down our ability to switch to more efficient technologies as they emerge. 

This agility allows us to overcome the release of anxiety often associated with frequent and rapid technological changes, ensuring we’re always at the forefront of innovation. Even worse than being lost at the train station, unable to catch the train, is being stuck on a slow-moving train, seeing your competitors racing away with the high-speed train that became available after you invested too heavily in the steam locomotive train tickets. In the age of rapidly emerging technologies, it is crucial to “pack light” and stay agile to jump to the better technology becoming available.

AI and LLMs are, for us, commodity

There are a few companies that actually create LLMs and AI. The rest of us benefit from those technologies becoming available as commodities. We need to monitor and remain in control of future dependencies. 

Building your application on top of other applications can result in risks. For example, you could sacrifice your financial position by losing control of your technology’s future costs. The shift from OpenAI to “ClosedAI” is just one example of the importance of securing future predictability and staying agile.

Take away

It’s vital to control future dependencies. As technology leaders, we need to ensure that while we embrace these powerful tools, we also safeguard our ability to innovate and adapt independently, ensuring our business remains robust, flexible, and competitive.

It’s Time to Flip the Classroom

Education is the foundation of progress, and as the world continues to evolve, so must our approach to learning. In healthcare, the need for education reform has become increasingly evident, particularly in demonstrating essential skills such as problem-solving, reasoning, and applying theory to clinical practice. Traditional lecture-based learning has limitations, and it is time to embrace a more dynamic and effective method: the flipped classroom.

What is Flipped Classroom Learning?
Flipped classroom learning is a transformative educational model that replaces the conventional lecture-style format with active learning techniques. In this approach, course content, including lectures, videos, articles, and online modules, is accessible to students outside the classroom. Instead of passively receiving information during class, students engage with the material beforehand, preparing them for meaningful in-class interactions.

Key Elements of Flipped Classroom Learning

Active Participation vs. Passive Reception
The hallmark of the flipped classroom is the shift from passive participation to active involvement. When students come to class with prior exposure to the content, they are better equipped to delve deeper into the subject matter, ask relevant questions, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and instructors.

Pre-Tests and Customized Learning
Pre-tests allow students to assess their knowledge and understanding of the material before attending class. Students who demonstrate sufficient mastery may skip certain parts, enabling a more personalized and tailored learning experience.

Empowerment and Confidence Building
Students become more confident in applying theoretical knowledge in real-world clinical scenarios by actively participating in their learning journey. This increased self-assurance enhances their exam performance and fosters a more competent and well-prepared healthcare workforce.

Benefits of Flipping the Classroom in Healthcare

Education Improved Student Engagement
Flipped classrooms create a more stimulating and interactive learning environment, naturally increasing student engagement. Through collaborative activities and discussions, nursing students can better understand complex concepts and learn from their peers’ diverse perspectives.

Better Preparation for Real-World Challenges
Healthcare is an ever-changing, complex field. It requires professionals to be well-prepared for practical application. Flipped classrooms bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping nursing students develop the critical thinking skills and adaptability needed to excel in their careers.

Enhanced Learning Outcomes
Numerous studies have shown that flipped classroom models lead to higher exam scores and improved overall academic performance compared to traditional teaching methods. The student-centered approach fosters deeper learning and long-term knowledge retention.

Addressing the Needs of Modern Healthcare
Today’s healthcare system demands adaptable and proficient professionals who can tackle complex issues. Flipped classrooms empower nursing students to think critically, solve problems, and work collaboratively, aligning their skills with industry demands.

Conclusion
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so must our approach to education. Flipping the classroom offers a transformative and evidence-based learning method that prepares nursing students for the challenges of modern healthcare. This innovative learning method empowers the healthcare professionals of tomorrow by fostering active engagement, critical thinking, and application of theory to practice.

Instructors and nurse educators play a pivotal role in driving this educational reform. By adopting evidence-based training styles and embracing the flipped classroom model, they can cultivate a new generation of competent and confident nurses ready to impact the healthcare system significantly.

The need for flipped classrooms in healthcare education is not just a passing trend but an imperative step toward building a stronger and more capable healthcare workforce.

In a recent analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by Altarum, the healthcare sector has experienced an unprecedented rate of employment growth, marking a significant milestone not seen in over three decades. Throughout 2023, healthcare employment expanded by an impressive 3.9%, surpassing the growth rate of all other industries by more than 2.5 times.

What makes this surge particularly remarkable is that it harkens back to a time not witnessed since 1991, highlighting the resilience and vitality of the healthcare workforce. This growth trajectory underscores the indispensable role of healthcare professionals and the increasing demand for their services as a response to ongoing healthcare needs and the restoration of pre-pandemic care levels.

One of the driving forces behind this remarkable resurgence is the return of nurses to the workforce. As Altarum’s analysis suggests, the replenishment of nurses and hiring to offset the attrition caused by burnout during the ‘Great Resignation’ of 2021 and 2022 has significantly contributed to this upward trend. The anticipation of a return to normalcy in healthcare demand post-pandemic has also played a pivotal role in bolstering job growth within the sector.

Reskilling & Retraining Through Digital Competency Platforms

As nurses return to the workforce, there is a pressing need for reskilling and training. This is where digital competency platforms, like Dossier, can play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable and resilient healthcare workforce. 

We provide healthcare organizations with tools to enhance skills development and streamline training processes. With the ability to adapt to evolving industry demands and bridge skill gaps effectively, digital competency management platforms empower healthcare professionals to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

As we enter 2024, the healthcare industry is poised for continued growth and transformation. The resurgence of job opportunities not only signals a promising future for healthcare professionals but also underscores the vital importance of investing in the ongoing development of skills and competencies. With the support of digital tools like Dossier, healthcare leaders can confidently navigate these skills and training challenges, ensuring their workforces are equipped to deliver exceptional care to all who need it.

Reinforcing Key Concepts for Healthcare Workers on the Go

Healthcare professionals face the challenge of staying up-to-date with the latest medical advancements while juggling their demanding work schedules. Traditional classroom-based learning often falls short of meeting their unique needs. This is where microlearning and just-in-time learning come into play as powerful tools to reinforce key concepts and support continuous learning, making it a perfect fit for healthcare workers constantly on the go.

What is Microlearning?

Microlearning is a pedagogical approach that delivers small, bite-sized units of information to learners. These concise and focused learning modules can take the form of short videos, interactive quizzes, infographics, or mini-games. The goal is to present information in a manner that is easy to understand, quickly consumable, and readily applicable to real-world scenarios.

Advantages of Microlearning for Healthcare Workers:

• Time-Efficient: Healthcare workers often have limited time for formal education. Microlearning allows them to learn during short breaks, commutes, or moments of downtime, maximizing their learning opportunities without disrupting their busy schedules.
• Targeted Learning: Microlearning focuses on specific learning objectives, making it easier for healthcare workers to find and access the information they need precisely when needed.
• Enhanced Retention: The condensed and focused nature of microlearning helps improve information retention. Regular reinforcement of key concepts leads to more profound and lasting learning outcomes.
• Accessibility: Microlearning content can be accessed on various devices, such as smartphones and tablets, giving healthcare workers the flexibility to learn on the go, anytime, and anywhere – some even use Virtual Reality (VR). 

What is Just-in-Time Learning?

Just-in-time learning complements microlearning by providing learners with immediate access to information when they need it the most. It involves providing on-demand learning resources to address specific challenges or questions that arise during the course of their work.

Benefits of Just-in-Time Learning for Healthcare Workers

• Problem Solving: Healthcare workers often encounter unexpected situations and challenges during their clinical practice. Just-in-time learning equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills to address these issues effectively in real-time.
• Support Decision-Making: Access to accurate and relevant information can make all the difference in critical moments. Just-in-time learning ensures healthcare workers can quickly access guidelines, protocols, or best practices to inform their decisions.
• Performance Improvement: With immediate access to learning resources, healthcare workers can continuously improve their performance and remain competent in their roles.
• Confidence Boost: Knowing they can quickly find the information they need boosts healthcare workers’ confidence, increasing job satisfaction and improving patient outcomes.

The Synergy: Flipped Classroom and Microlearning

The flipped classroom, microlearning, and just-in-time learning form a powerful synergy in healthcare education. The flipped classroom model allows healthcare students to access foundational knowledge through microlearning modules before attending class, thus preparing them for more in-depth discussions during the in-person sessions.

Moreover, healthcare professionals can continue their learning journey beyond formal education by embracing microlearning and just-in-time learning. As they encounter challenges in their daily practice, they can reinforce their knowledge through brief, targeted learning modules. This continuous learning approach keeps them informed, skilled, and confident, which is essential in a rapidly evolving field like healthcare.

Conclusion

Integrating flipped classrooms, microlearning, and just-in-time learning is a game-changer for healthcare workers. It addresses their unique needs for flexible, accessible, and targeted learning while supporting continuous professional development. 

As the healthcare industry advances, embracing these innovative approaches will undoubtedly contribute to a more competent, confident, and compassionate workforce, ultimately benefiting healthcare professionals and their patients. So, let’s flip the script on traditional learning and empower healthcare workers with the tools they need to succeed in their noble mission of providing quality care.

The pursuit of excellence is a journey with no end. One vital milestone along this path for hospitals is the coveted Magnet status, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). 

Achieving Magnet recognition isn’t just a badge of honor; it’s a testament to a healthcare organization’s commitment to quality patient care, exceptional nursing practice, and a culture of innovation. Clinical career advancement for nurses plays an integral role in helping healthcare organizations reach the pinnacle of nursing excellence. This article shares the importance of clinical career advancement pathways for nurses and their critical role in achieving Magnet status.

Understanding Magnet Status 

The Magnet Recognition Program, established by the ANCC, is a prestigious designation awarded to healthcare organizations that meet and exceed a stringent set of standards related to nursing care and patient outcomes. Achieving Magnet status is a testament to an organization’s unwavering dedication to the highest quality of patient care and nurse-led innovation.

Why Is Magnet Status Important?

Improved Patient Outcomes: Magnet hospitals consistently report better patient outcomes, including reduced mortality rates, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications. Clinical career advancement for nurses is central to improving these outcomes, as highly skilled nurses lead to safer and more effective patient care.

Attracting Top Talent: Magnet status acts as a magnet, not just for patients but for top nursing talent as well. Nurses aspire to work in Magnet-recognized facilities, knowing they will have professional growth and development opportunities.

Enhanced Organizational Culture: Achieving Magnet status reflects an organization’s commitment to fostering a positive work environment, promoting shared governance, and valuing the contributions of nurses. Clinical career advancement for nurses is a key driver in creating this culture of excellence.

The Role of Clinical Career Advancement

Clinical career advancement pathways in healthcare empower nurses to continually improve their skills and knowledge. This advancement can take many forms, such as pursuing higher education, achieving specialty certifications, and taking on leadership roles within the organization. 

Clinical career advancement contributes to achieving Magnet status by way of:

• Ongoing Education: Advanced degrees, like MSN or DNP, enable nurses to take on more specialized roles and provide higher levels of care. These qualifications are often prerequisites for leadership positions within a Magnet-recognized organization.
• Specialty Certification: Certification in various nursing specialties demonstrates expertise and dedication to delivering the best possible care. Many Magnet organizations encourage and support nurses in obtaining these certifications.
• Leadership Opportunities: Magnet organizations rely on nurses to play vital roles in decision-making, policy development, and quality improvement initiatives. 
• Clinical career advancement allows nurses to step into leadership positions and shape the future of nursing practice within their organization.
• Research and Innovation: Advancing one’s clinical career often involves engagement in research and innovation. Nurses at Magnet facilities frequently engage in cutting-edge research to improve patient care and outcomes.

Helping nurses track their clinical training and education within a digital platform not only helps the healthcare organization deliver value to its nursing team but also helps the organization stand out. As we experience an increase in the number of healthcare workers returning to the workforce, we need to ensure they are equipped with digital tools that help them gain the knowledge and skills they need to be true leaders in their fields. Platforms, like Dossier, capture and track clinical ladder programs for healthcare organizations – making the process easier for all involved. 

Conclusion

The journey to Magnet status is an accolade and a promise to deliver the highest quality patient care. Nursing career development is an essential component of this journey, as it empowers them to reach their full potential, contribute to a culture of excellence, and ultimately help their healthcare organizations achieve the prestigious Magnet recognition. By investing in nursing career development strategies, healthcare organizations pave the way to a brighter future for their nurses and patients. By leveraging digital tools, healthcare organizations set themselves apart so they can recruit and retain the best talent. 

How rising costs, recruitment challenges, and the great resignation reshaped healthcare and redefined the patient experience

The pandemic continues to add pressure to healthcare organizations across the U.S. From increased pricing for drugs and equipment to recruitment challenges to the great resignation, healthcare CFOs, HR and department executives, and staff are left wondering if there is an end in sight. And it seems it may only get worse before it gets better. 

According to a May 11, 2022 report from McKinsey, the U.S. could see a deficit of 200,000 to 450,000 registered nurses available for direct patient care by 2025 if there are no changes in current care delivery models. To put that into perspective, McKinsey estimates that for every 1 percent of nurses who leave direct patient care, the shortage worsens by about 30,000 nurses.

The impact this will have on care delivery and the patient experience is concerning, especially considering the aging population. By 2030, 71 million Americans (about 20% of the U.S. population) will be 65+, a demographic known to have complex health problems, chronic illnesses, and disabilities. If things don’t change in the U.S. healthcare system, there will be more patients than nurses to care for them.  

While filling the nurse pipeline is one solution, the U.S. would need to double the number of new graduates entering and staying in nursing every year for the next three years. The challenge is there aren’t enough nursing programs and educators to handle the influx. An analysis of graduating nurses shows the decline – dropping from an increase of 4 percent in 2019 to only 1 percent in 2020, far short of what’s needed to support our healthcare system. 

And that’s just part of the problem.

The Financial Impact of COVID on Healthcare Organizations

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been nearly 95 million COVID-19 cases, 1.04 million deaths, and more than five million hospitalizations. This has placed an enormous strain on healthcare workers. When combined with rising costs for medications, equipment, etc., these numbers have resulted in billions in lost revenue. 

More than 33% of hospitals are operating on negative margins, according to the American Hospital Association. Many can’t get the nursing staff needed to increase surgeries and cover the budget pressures. 

Typically, when there was a staffing shortage, the budget used not paying salaries could be reallocated for increased costs; however, hospitals were paying travel nurses to help address the staffing shortfall. 

In 2019, hospitals spent a median of 4.7 percent of their total nurse labor expense for contract travel nurses. That number skyrocketed to 38.6 percent (median) in January 2022. Contract labor rates skyrocketed 213 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels. Medical supplies and drug expenses were up 20.6 and 36.9 percent, respectively. 

As though these problems aren’t enough, according to a report from cybersecurity firm Sophos, ransomware attacks on healthcare increased 94 percent from 2021 to 2022. More than two-thirds of healthcare organizations in the U.S. reported experiencing a ransomware attack in 2021. 

When considering the financial impact these factors have had on healthcare organizations, it becomes clear that people alone aren’t going to fix the problem. 

The Solutions

Digital Transformation

Digital transformation in healthcare translates to the ability to serve patients better digitally. It means adopting technologies to improve workflows, efficiency, and patient care. One area that could easily be improved involves shifting from paper-based competency management to a digital competency management platform. 

Only 20 percent of what staff need to know is captured in learning management systems. The other 80 percent is competencies – knowledge, skills, judgment, and behaviors – critical to their roles, but it’s currently captured on paper and housed in three-ring binders, creating waste and inefficiencies. 

Consider the waste in paper-based competency management:

• Wasted time 
  • Chasing papers and/or redoing lost paperwork
  • Updating competency plans for individuals, departments, and facilities and the time spent printing out plan changes and updating binders – hours upon hours of time when hundreds of staff are involved
• Cost of paper, binders, storage areas
• Duplication of competencies from one department to another due to the lack of visibility 
• Inability for those onboarding or going through training to easily and clearly see where they are in the process, what’s required of them, etc. 

By shifting healthcare competency management to a digital platform, Dossier helpsorganizations improve workflow and efficiency, giving staff more time for training and with patients. 

In the current paper-based competency management environment, when changes are needed, time is spent going into each individual’s plan, making changes, printing the changes out, finding the staff member, finding the binder, switching out the plans, etc. When you multiply this time by the number of staff members involved, the need to go digital becomes clear. 

With digital competency management platforms like Dossier, plan updates happen with a few clicks of a button. Competency checklists can be approved and are visible to all. The visibility into each person’s progress and transparency are valued by staff. Plus, Dossier connects to any learning activity in your healthcare learning ecosystem. 

Users can report by individual, department, facility, or the full enterprise. And reports can be run in minutes. Dossier practically eliminates survey day stress and frustration. But don’t take our word for it – see for yourself:

If you are ready for the next step, request a 15-minute meeting. 

The statistics regarding preventable harm are alarming. According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in every 10 patients is harmed in healthcare, and more than 3 million deaths occur annually due to unsafe care. 

In low-to-middle-income countries, as many as 4 in 100 people die from unsafe care. Furthermore, the financial burden is significant, with medical errors costing around $20 billion annually. These numbers show preventable harm is a leading cause of death and a major contributor to healthcare expenditures in the U.S. 

For hospitals to address preventable harm, they need to ensure staff are trained appropriately and have the skills, knowledge, judgment, and decision-making necessary for their roles. New technologies pave the way for massive improvements in this area, allowing healthcare organizations to significantly reduce preventable harm incidents by: 

Appropriately training clinicians: Healthcare organizations should ensure clinicians are appropriately trained and have the qualifications for their assigned tasks. Clear guidelines and protocols should be established to prevent clinicians from practicing beyond their scope and to encourage effective collaboration among healthcare professionals.

Improving care coordination for complex medical conditions: Patients with complex medical conditions often require care from multiple providers across different healthcare settings. Poor coordination among these providers can result in fragmented care, medication errors, and delays in treatment. Healthcare organizations should prioritize care coordination by implementing robust communication systems, care management strategies, and health information exchange technologies. This will facilitate seamless information sharing and collaboration among healthcare teams, ultimately enhancing patient safety.

Not going beyond the “five rights” of medication safety: The “five rights” of medication safety (right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time) form the foundation of safe medication administration. However, errors can still occur within this framework. Healthcare organizations should promote a medication safety culture by implementing additional safeguards, and competency plans can help to standardize this practice. Regular training and education programs for healthcare professionals can also enhance their understanding of safe medication practices. With a digital platform, pushing these updates and monitoring progress becomes streamlined. Dossier is extremely proud to work closely with #ASHP on digitizing and enhancing the ASHP Competency Assessment Centers to help hospitals and healthcare providers ensure appropriate training of their staff members. This is a great example of how digital tools can contribute to elevating medication safety.

Inaccurate patient medication lists: Accurate and up-to-date medication lists are essential for safe and effective healthcare delivery. However, discrepancies in medication lists can lead to errors, adverse drug events, and drug interactions. Healthcare organizations should implement robust medication reconciliation processes during transitions of care, involving patients as active participants in verifying and updating their medication information. Using electronic health records and standardized medication reconciliation protocols can significantly reduce inaccuracies in medication lists. Digital competency management software platforms help ensure staff is adequately trained and provide transparency in training requirements and compliance, giving executives and managers peace of mind towards their quality standards and surveyors.

Accidental use of neuromuscular blocking agents: These medications are typically used during surgical procedures to induce muscle relaxation. Accidental administration outside of a controlled setting can have serious consequences, including respiratory compromise and patient harm. Healthcare organizations should establish strict protocols and safety checks to prevent the accidental use of neuromuscular blocking agents in non-surgical settings. Implementing automated alerts, double-checking procedures, and comprehensive training for healthcare providers can minimize the risks associated with these medications. 

While the solutions to preventable harm in healthcare are multifaceted and require a systemic approach, the importance of having competent staff cannot be overstated. Healthcare organizations must invest in hiring and retaining qualified professionals who are adequately trained, licensed, and possess the necessary skills to deliver safe and effective care. Ongoing professional development, training programs, and performance assessments should be incorporated to ensure staff are current with the latest evidence-based practices and patient safety guidelines. 

Dossier helps healthcare organizations and systems easily manage competency-based training to create high-performing teams and mitigate errors. 

Conclusion

The challenges of preventable harm in healthcare are significant, yet they present a valuable opportunity for transformative progress. As we embrace digital solutions like #Dossier, healthcare organizations are becoming better equipped to manage competency-based training, which is fundamental in building high-performing teams and enhancing patient safety. 

The commitment to ongoing professional development and training is not only essential but also a beacon of hope. By keeping pace with the latest evidence-based practices and patient safety guidelines, healthcare professionals are poised to make substantial strides in reducing errors and elevating care quality.

This journey toward improvement is already underway, marked by notable advancements in care coordination, medication safety, and error prevention. The future of healthcare looks bright, brimming with possibilities for further enhancements. 

The collaborative efforts across the spectrum of healthcare organizations, technology providers, and dedicated professionals are instrumental in forging a safer and more efficient healthcare system. Moreover, empowering healthcare staff with the right tools and knowledge is more than just an enhancement of their skills—it’s a cultivation of a culture of safety and excellence in healthcare.

In conclusion, while the issue of preventable harm in healthcare is a pressing concern, the outlook is optimistic. With a focus on continuous improvement, technology adoption, and comprehensive training, the healthcare industry is steadily moving toward a future where patient safety and high-quality care are at the forefront, signaling a new era of healthcare excellence.