Which Book Or Journal Article is a Must-Read for Healthcare Administrators?

Which Book Or Journal Article is a Must-Read for Healthcare Administrators?

In the rapidly evolving field of healthcare administration, continuous learning is key. We've gathered insights from professionals including an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology and a Healthcare Marketer, offering their must-read recommendations. From understanding epilepsy surgical evaluation to minimizing mistakes with 'The Checklist Manifesto,' here are five reads that these experts believe are essential for every healthcare administrator.

• Understanding Epilepsy Surgical Evaluation
• Streamline Care with Lean Healthcare
• Improve Communication with Supercommunicators
• Enhance Operations with Healthcare Informatics
• Minimize Mistakes with The Checklist Manifesto

Understanding Epilepsy Surgical Evaluation

I recommend reading a comprehensive chapter about epilepsy and when to refer to surgical evaluation, given the cost of improperly treated medically intractable epilepsy.

Epilepsy affects around 50 million people worldwide, accounting for a significant proportion of the world's disease burden. Patients with epilepsy have seizures which occur at random and can be both disabling and dangerous. Most patients with epilepsy respond to antiepileptic medications and become seizure-free, though there are patients that remain medically intractable. For these medically intractable patients with epilepsy, a multimodal ensemble method is utilized to accurately measure the smallest portion of the brain which can generate seizures, called the epileptogenic zone (EZ). Defining the EZ refines and improves outcomes with the accurate prescription of definitive surgical intervention.

The electroclinical pattern of the seizure, including the semiology and ictal pattern on the electroencephalogram, determines if a seizure is focal or generalized. Once seizures are determined to be focal at onset, surgical options are refined with structural imaging with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the brain. Performance of the brain is assessed with neuropsychiatric testing, determining the degree and localization of focal brain dysfunction with cognitive tasks. Metabolism of the brain is quantified with an interictal positron emission computed tomography scan with 18-fludeoxyglucose, with focal hypometabolism being seen between seizures. Blood flow to the brain during and between seizures is imaged with single positron emission computed tomography with technetium-99m. Magnetic fields around the brain can localize interictal and ictal discharges co-registered to the MRI of the brain through magnetoencephalography. Functional MRI measures blood flow during specific tasks to determine the localization of critical brain functions which must be preserved for safe epilepsy surgery. Concordance of multimodal data suggests safe and efficacious surgical options for patients with medically intractable epilepsy. Neurologists and primary care physicians are encouraged to refer patients with medically intractable epilepsy for epilepsy surgery evaluation, as this multimodal approach is only available at specialized epilepsy centers, such as Riley Hospital for Children.

Streamline Care with Lean Healthcare

One essential read for healthcare administrators is "Lean Healthcare" by Mark Graban. This book delves into the principles of lean management and how they can be applied to streamline healthcare processes, reduce waste, and enhance patient care. The book's strategies can lead to more efficient, patient-centered care models. By understanding and implementing lean methodologies, healthcare administrators can develop a culture of continuous improvement, which is crucial for both operational success and effective healthcare marketing for professionals.

Improve Communication with Supercommunicators

Healthcare administrators interact with doctors, nurses, other administrators, as well as patients. Having high emotional intelligence and good communication skills can create a better experience for those who interact with them, as well as provide a framework to accomplish the objectives and goals they set forth. One book that does an excellent job at elucidating the complex nature of communication is 'Supercommunicators' by Charles Duhigg. It's a fascinating look at how excellent communicators can create a bridge to open discussions as well as create a favorable outcome. Anyone who wants to be able to have those hard discussions and make them beneficial should read that book.

Enhance Operations with Healthcare Informatics

"Healthcare Informatics" by Stephan P. Kudyba - This book delves into how technological advancements and data analytics can improve healthcare operations. For a dental practice, utilizing informatics can streamline operations and enhance patient care through more efficient data management and analysis.

Minimize Mistakes with The Checklist Manifesto

I think every health startup founder and healthcare administrator should read the book, 'The Checklist Manifesto' by Atul Gawande. When I first read this book, I found that it focuses on the use of checklists as a tool to minimize mistakes in complex systems, especially in the medical field and operations. Gawande, a surgeon and a writer, describes in his work how the use of checklists can enhance the quality, effectiveness, and reliability of the healthcare process.

What makes it so useful for healthcare administrators is that it has a microscope-like focus on using checklists—a simple yet highly effective strategy for enhancing the quality of care and organizational performance. It helps leaders to use basic tools in order to control complicated activities and guarantee the accomplishment of key activities.

You see, in a field where the risks are high and the opportunities for mistakes are numerous, the use of checklists can make a difference, improving the quality and safety of healthcare facilities.