Creating value-focused healthcare delivery systems: Part two--Value-focus traits and characteristics

The healthcare arena is undergoing dramatic changes. These changes require new ways of thinking and doing. As Albert Einstein said, "We can't expect to solve problems utilizing the same level of thinking that created the problems in the first place." We must fundamentally change the way we think and do things if we want fundamental change to occur. The creation of value for all participants in the healthcare arena must become a major focus of the industry. As the healthcare industry has undergone fundamental change in the way services are provided and are reimbursed, successful healthcare providers and suppliers will create enhanced value through development and implementation of value-focus traits to include vision creation, leadership/communication, proactivity, anticipation, flexibility, innovation/creativity, knowledge, customized standardization, and service quality/accountability. The last part of this series will present the required administrative and management skills providers should possess and utilize to ensure that value is created in the delivery of care.