Our parents and grandparents experienced healthcare in a straightforward way. They went to a doctor they respected, were treated for what was wrong, and didn't question the advice of their physician. They usually went to the doctor only when absolutely necessary and never dreamed of the fantastic array of options now available. Today, patients have access to a wide range of healthcare options. They can research their symptoms and choose when and where they want treatment. Things have changed in many ways, and your ASC has to keep up with these changes.

Do your ASC patients know your expectations? COVID-19 has changed how all businesses operate, but none are as affected as the healthcare industry.

There were several unexpected issues in 2020 that have impacted the health care industry, and Ambulatory Surgery Centers in particular, in profound ways. If ASCs were paying attention, they have learned some valuable lessons to apply to the coming year to ensure they continue to operate smoothly.

COVID-19 has rocked our world—from how we work to how we access healthcare to how we connect with each other. Recent research found that during the coronavirus pandemic, video chatting apps and social media website usage spiked significantly, in some cases up to 80%! What does that mean for older patients? Well, they probably are not as technologically disconnected as you might think. 

Getting top talent in the door of your ASC is among the most critical priorities. However, the landscape of recruitment is changing. A recent survey found that 20% of ASC leaders planned to retire in the next three years. And replacing these leaders is becoming harder and harder, as many young surgeons are recruited directly after residency to large practices or hospitals. What can you do to recruit and retain top talent? 

All ASCs strive for top-notch quality and safety. But what if your employees don’t have the perception that you are trying to improve safety? Increasing safety culture starts by acknowledging the barriers and challenges. 

As ASCs prepare to re-open post-COVID-19, infection control is first and foremost on everyone’s mind. What protocols does your ASC have in place to make infection prevention a priority?

In these dark days of closed facilities and furloughed/terminated staff, it is easy to get caught up in how unfair, unforeseen, and terribly depressing this situation has been for ambulatory surgery centers and the world.  

We understand that these times continue to make life feel stressful and heavy. We are all affected in different capacities; some are working more, some from home, others are dealing with the stress of not working at all. Some of us live in the states that are considered 'hot-spots' and others are in an area with only a few cases of COVID-19. Some have cancelled major life events, missed out on our big plans, and some have even had to say goodbye to family members and friends.

We haven't lost sight of you. The healthcare field consists of real-life superheroes and our job here at 1MP is to help you through these uncharted waters in any way that we can. No matter how much or how little you feel affected by this, we want to remind you just how appreciated you are each and every day.

We will get through this together and we vow to have your back even after this storm has passed.

So you’re shut down or slowed down because of the coronavirus. We are all a bit worried, fearful and even angry about what has happened. In dark times like these, I find it helps to stay busy, and know that very soon, to rip-off the classic line from Annie – “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow”. This pandemic WILL end in the near future, and the end is likely to be just as rapid as the onset.

So what to do while you are waiting? Here’s Part 2 of my list of 10 things every ASC can do to stay busy and come out the other side of this pandemic stronger and more prepared than ever: