Thomas Frederick Hartley has led healthcare services for 30 years through clinician, consultant, CNO, and CEO roles. He received numerous military awards as a U.S. Army officer along with letters of commendation from two sitting U.S. Presidents before retiring as a lieutenant colonel. His teaching experience includes faculty positions, adjunct appointments and guest lecturer at more than 12 universities. He has presented on clinical, systems, and leadership topics in national and international forums. He is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and has received certification in executive nursing practice from ANCC and AONE.
Abstract
Healthcare change across the globe is being driven by a need to curb the exponential cost increases within the industry. A heightened awareness of human factors research and the potential for evidence-based practice has gained much attention as a source of potential improvement. A new focus on quality and outcomes is driving the market in most countries. An example is the reduced payment for services and notable government influence through “value-based purchasing” causing dramatic changes in the U.S. healthcare delivery systems. Defining, capturing, and reporting clinical outcomes are a challenge for most organizations. Transitioning clinical data into electronic capture for accurate retrospective analysis is becoming a requirement and holds great promise for future clinical improvements. Decision-making in healthcare is becoming open for debate, as consumers, payers, and regulatory authorities all vie for control and influence. Prospects to redefine health care delivery processes and change the way people think about, access, and receive health services vary internationally. But opportunities are there for those who are prepared and understand healthcare financing, incentives for change, power, and influence.