Bridging the Gap: Kelly Poole on Process Innovation and Healthcare Transformation
In this lively episode of “Vital Conversations,” host Tim Coan sits down with Kelly Poole, a seasoned healthcare leader and vice president of operational excellence and transformation, to delve into the nuances of improving healthcare delivery through practical process solutions. With a rich nursing background, Kelly shares her journey from bedside nursing to becoming a pivotal figure in healthcare consultancy.
A Unique Journey
Kelly talks about her transition from clinical nursing to process improvement, driven by her passion for problem-solving and creativity. Her early experiences in clinical research allowed her to master the art of designing efficient processes—a skill she now leverages in her consultancy.
The Intersection of Process and Technology
Tim and Kelly explore the often overlooked aspect of integrating technology with healthcare processes. Kelly emphasizes that technology should support a well-defined process rather than dictate it. She shares insights on how physician practices can avoid common pitfalls when implementing tech solutions, stressing the importance of process optimization and mapping out the patient journey.
Standardization Challenges
A significant portion of their conversation revolves around standardization in healthcare. Kelly discusses the delicate balance of implementing standardized processes while respecting clinical autonomy. She advocates for standardizing activities around the clinical moment, allowing doctors to focus on patient care.
Kelly’s New Venture
Kelly introduces us to her new consultancy, The Improvement Space. Here, she offers her expertise to healthcare organizations seeking to optimize and standardize their processes. With her practical experience at Schweiger Dermatology, she aims to help practices scale efficiently and effectively.
When to Seek Help
Kelly advises practices to reach out for consultancy when there’s a pressing problem or a need for process improvement expertise that isn’t available internally. Her philosophy, inspired by Einstein, encourages understanding a problem thoroughly before rushing into solutions.
Connect and Collaborate
For those interested in Kelly’s approach, she provides her contact information, inviting healthcare providers to explore her services and benefit from her unique blend of clinical, operational, and tech insights.
Join Tim and Kelly for an insightful discussion that sheds light on the often unseen but crucial components of healthcare improvement, and discover how Kelly’s pragmatic approach can lead to substantial, positive change in the industry.
