On-site Management Training

Developing The Laboratory's Leadership Skills Can Improve Patient Satisfaction, Employee Morale, and YES - The Bottom Line.

To survive the pressures caused by increased government regulations and reduced Medicare reimbursement levels, hospitals are forced to re-design their operations.

The critical role of departmental managers in effecting these changes is emphasized in virtually every article or seminar on organizational management/process improvement. Yet in a large percentage of the laboratory operational reviews recently performed by our firm, inadequate managerial skills were consistently cited as a hindrance to achieving operational excellence.

Laboratory staff in key positions are often long-term employees with limited exposure to financial and change management skills. Their ability to identify viable operational enhancements is restricted and possibly contributes to a lack of urgency regarding the need for change.
The management staff does not exhibit the enthusiasm and passion necessary for investment in change. General lab staff reflect this attitude with expectations that "nothing will ever change" or "this is the way it will always be."
Working relationships among laboratory sections are fragmented and ineffectual…. Communication is a major issue within the department; creative and innovative ideas are not received well by managers and supervisors.

Based on follow-up surveys conducted with a sample of hospitals in the first six months after a laboratory operational review, the vast majority reported less than one-fourth of recommendations had been implemented. Curiously, strong administrative "buy-in" for immediate implementation of proposed changes was almost universal. Why the incongruence? With further scrutiny it became clear -- missing in each case was the "Change Leader" within the managerial ranks. At a time when strong leadership is critical to the reengineering success of every healthcare organization, limited funds are available to enhance the abilities of in-house managers to excel in these areas.

A new Management Training Approach that Actually Stimulates Cost Reductions

In response, we have developed an innovative approach that is designed specifically to meet the needs of your individual organization and motivate your in-house laboratory managers to adapt the role of "Change Leader". We tailor a 3-month on-the-job training and support program to bolster the necessary skills within your existing managerial staff to successfully implement your strategic plan. On-Site Managerial Training incorporates elements of traditional consulting and mentorship to create the following deliverables:

A consultant meets with your lab management team in their own environment, working on solutions to their specific problems. We will be on-site for 8 to 12 hours each week, for 12 weeks. Distribution of these hours is negotiated to achieve the greatest impact. Training is presented "one-on-one" or in small groups, as required.
When not on-site, training support is offered by telephone consultation and is accessible Monday through Friday from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Comprehensive monthly reports keep Administration informed on the status of the training, areas of concern, and all significant progress.

While improving the effectiveness of your management team, this approach to training and skill development also has a positive effect on the laboratory's financial bottom line. It can be the first step in incorporating immediate and ongoing change into your management culture and thus creating potential for continuous improvements in reducing organizational costs.

The Value of an Outside Perspective

By bringing Martha Robbins & Associates into your organization, you bring a wealth of information and perspective gained from reviewing over 25 healthcare facilities annually. We provide a range of qualities valuable to your operation:

Knowledge - Recognizing the uniqueness of each engagement, we select the consultant with skills most suited to your needs. MRA has successfully helped numerous academic medical centers, health care systems, and community hospitals challenged with process improvement, redesign of laboratory services, change management, development of outreach programs, and strategic planning.
Experience - Our team consists of ASCP registered technologists with years of experience in hands-on management of hospital, commercial reference, and regional or core laboratories. This, in addition to expertise gained through nation-wide consulting, makes us highly valuable advisors.
Objectivity - Sometimes it takes an unbiased assessment of your laboratory's processes and workflow to assist internal staff in seeing the "bigger picture". Often only someone outside the organization can provide this perspective.

Take a Step Toward Operational Excellence

Do not hesitate, call today and schedule a meeting to learn more about how we can assist your in-house management team in becoming "Change Leaders".