Strategy
Demographic trends, inequalities, preventable illness and the economic viability of existing local provision are essential starting points for determining health needs-- nationally and locally.
Population ageing, new drugs and technology, along with growing patient expectations are causing increased budgetary pressure both in the UK and elsewhere. A recent UK consultancy report estimated the NHS could reduce its staffing by 10% if the least efficient hospitals were bought up to average productivity levels.
Significant geographical variations exist in the UK per capita spend on health. More locally spend by specialty varies for reasons which are not always obvious. Productivity has not increased for many years despite record increases in staff numbers.
Efficiency improvements can encompass:
- Reduced bureaucracy
- Reduced staffing ratios
- Community based care for the elderly and the very young
- Clinician involvement in specialty management
- Improved and more innovative clinical pathways.
- Telemedicine monitoring of chronic conditions outside hospital
- Use of new technology
Hospital level issues include staff ratios, grade structures, streamlined clinical pathways, specialty mix, emergency admission rates, community links, innovative use of health technology, joint working with other agencies.
UK hospital beds remain primarily occupied by the elderly. Innovative home care support is increasingly vital. New technology for home based monitoring is being developed. It could revolutionise the economics of patient follow-up.
Many specialties do not know where they stand in terms of comparative performance. They are rarely structured as cost entities.
HAI is firmly of a view that clinicians should be involved in the budgeting, management and outcomes for their own specialties. The era of top down micro management is proving increasingly unhelpful. New ideas are integral to the health delivery process.
Practical Research
We undertake practical research looking at international trends, new developments, drugs / equipment, and ways of delivering care.
We research the target problem area in detail from our existing database.
We regularly attend international exhibitions to see what is on offer in the health sector. Recently we attended Medica in Dusseldorf and Arab Health in Dubai followed by a UKTI sponsored visit to Saudi Arabia. Home based haemodialysis is but one of many examples of new technology which could have major impact on healthcare. Remote monitoring of chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiac care, geriatric care is now possible. The new ideas are there but so often need to overcome traditional ways of working before they can be implemented.
We can do short and cost effective analysis of the market for particular applications depending on client interest.