It’s the Journey, Not the Destination
Debbie Stadtler
Editor in Chief
3/1/2023
I pride myself on being an organized person. Whether it’s a daily to-do list, emails in the proper folders, or tracking spreadsheets, I love to keep things tidy and on target. Yet, sometimes I get a little too focused on the outcome, get deep into organizing, and forget the process altogether. When I see this happening, I zoom out and remind myself that the journey can be more valuable than the goal.
The same is true in long term care—putting the right processes into place can help facilitate the results you are trying to achieve. Iterating on those processes and working as a team will make the path to the desired end smoother and easier.
Consider crafting an employee benefits program. There is no one perfect benefits package, and the needs and wants of staff will change over time. The best way to create the benefits for your facility involves personalizing the offerings, supporting personal and professional development, and presenting the benefits in the right light.
Processes are the focus of several quality award programs. Getting the right procedures in place can help you win an award—but the award is not guaranteed. However, the teamwork, motivation, and communication developed during the improvement process are guaranteed to bring better quality for residents.
While the pandemic tested our infection control processes, those exact processes can be improved and added onto in order to fight antibiotic resistance. There is no question that the right infection control actions will bring better results in infection prevention.
In this issue, we are excited to introduce a new infographic column in each issue called By the Numbers. Provider will highlight industry data or metrics that are important and interesting in a colorful and graphic way.
I hope to see you in person at the AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, May 22-24, 2023, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, TX. Visit ahcancal.org to learn more and register.