Friend or Foe? The Answer to that Question Might Be Shifting

January 12th, 2015

The times, they are a changin’. That facility that used to be your competitor? You might be able to find common ground now.

“Hospitals need to prepare for shifts in the health delivery system, including more collaboration between providers,” said Herb Kuhn, president and CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association. The association is putting those words into action with release of a report that offers details on how the state’s hospitals and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are working together. Doctors weren’t left out of the plan: The report was produced with the Missouri Primary Care Association.

“The report examines successful practices between hospitals and FQHCs already in place in Missouri communities and provides a starting point for additional dialogue and emulation of best practices,” Kuhn said.

And collaborations aren’t just for big health systems. Central Valley Medical Center, a small rural hospital in Nephi, UT, has created an LPN Education Partnership. The hospital has partnered with a local community college to educate LPNs. The hospital benefits with a solution to its continuing nursing shortage. The college expands its educational opportunities, and students don’t have to drive so far. (Have you checked the price of gas recently?!)

So, who can you collaborate with today? You might just reap benefits for your facility, your community, and your career!