A CASE OF DECLINING SURGICAL VOLUME:

Healthcare is a knowledge intensive industry, the amount of information and competencies necessary to care for unique individuals is complex. Health administrators and providers must be able to acquire, translate, transfer, and manage knowledge on the clinical, administrative, and operational level.

Consider the following scenario: A community hospital executive (COO) noticed a decline in high margin orthopedic surgeries. S/he asked the existing director to join the next C-suite meeting (in 2-days) and provide a report on surgical services. The director asked if s/he can have more time since the current manager is on a performance improvement plan and was newly appointed within the last year. The COO said 'no, the level of decline is alarming and we need to discuss the impact on our financial status and a strategy to mitigate any issues.'

• Why is this such an urgency?
• If you were the COO, what are your concerns?
• What information does the director need?
• What resources should s/he access/consult to prepare her report to the C-suite?
• What details should be included in the report?