Reorganizing patient care around service lines

Practice makes perfect, the experts remind us. And studies show that the more healthcare providers care for patients with certain conditions, the better that care becomes. In this issue, THE QUALITY LETTER talks with healthcare leaders who have implemented revolutionary changes in the way care has been delivered at most healthcare organizations for more than a century. They've reorganized care within their organizations into product lines or service lines, such as cardiology, oncology and women and children's health. Reorganization has meant establishing new reporting patterns and emphasizing multidisciplinary teamwork. Best of all, they're reaping the benefits that early measurements show, such as reduced hospital length of stay and reduced costs. Healthcare leaders who spoke with THE QUALITY LETTER all agree that such reorganization is worth the effort--and note the four major lessons they've learned about easing the transition to service line delivery.