Amid rising healthcare costs and stringent regulatory demands, hospitals are increasingly turning to mergers and acquisitions as a strategic move. This shift has led to the highest level of merger activity in seven years, with institutions aiming to expand services, enhance care quality, and achieve financial stability. Craig Baker, Director of Global Growth and Design at Cleveland Clinic’s Information Technology Division (ITD), shares insights into how adopting a pod-based approach can streamline complex integration processes.

Transforming Hospital Integrations for Lasting Success

The Evolution of Hospital Integrations

Healthcare organizations face unprecedented challenges today. Rising operational costs, staffing shortages, and stringent regulations have compelled many hospitals to seek mergers and acquisitions as a means to survive and thrive. A recent analysis by Kaufman Hall revealed that nearly 40% of affiliated hospitals introduced new services following an acquisition. This statistic underscores the transformative potential of well-executed mergers.Craig Baker, who oversees ITD's global initiatives, emphasizes the complexity involved in hospital integrations. "These projects require adaptability and sustainability across various fronts," he explains. Historically, initial workflows developed for clinical service lines often became outdated due to a lack of ownership and evolving applications. To address this, Baker and his team shifted their focus from merely standardizing technology to aligning closely with service lines and applications.

Building Collaborative Solutions Through Pods

The introduction of the 'pod' concept marked a significant evolution in how hospital integrations are managed. This structured approach fosters collaboration among cross-functional teams, ensuring consistent delivery of services and experiences for all acquired facilities and caregivers. Team members from diverse specialties, including IT, construction, cybersecurity, clinical engineering, nursing informatics, and physician specialists, come together to form pods.Baker elaborates on the benefits of this method. "A product-centric approach can lead to workflow gaps and downstream issues because it lacks accountability for end-to-end processes. In contrast, the pod solution assigns dedicated team members to each technology or application, ensuring optimal workflows and addressing potential risks before implementation."

Enhancing Risk Identification and Mitigation

One of the most notable outcomes of adopting the pod approach has been the earlier identification of risks. During a recent project, there was a sharp increase in identified risks—a development Baker considers a victory. "It signifies better communication and engagement with local teams. We’re listening to their concerns and making informed decisions to prevent issues during go-live phases."This proactive stance has led to fewer post-implementation problems, demonstrating the effectiveness of the pod model. By identifying and addressing risks early in the project lifecycle, hospitals can ensure smoother transitions and more successful integrations.

Cultivating Trust and Collaboration

Shifting to a service-line focus has transformed how ITD approaches integration projects. It’s no longer just about providing digital tools but fostering collaborative problem-solving and building trust among stakeholders. The three-pronged pod approach—service line expertise, accountability, and growth—has proven instrumental in improving communication and connections throughout the integration process."Applying pods to our workflow promotes goodwill and support during the project’s duration and beyond," says Baker. "We’ve seen firsthand how this approach enhances teamwork and drives better outcomes for everyone involved."

Driving Continuous Improvement

Ultimately, the pod-based strategy aims to create a blueprint for future integration efforts. By leveraging experience and refining the approach, ITD can maintain a global design framework that adapts to changing needs. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that hospitals can deliver high-quality care while achieving financial stability and expanding their service offerings.