It's not always about the technology in healthcare

I have been fortunate to not have spent a lot of time in a hospital as a patient or even as a visitor. But, if I were asked to help envision my local hospital’s future, I would want it to include the best technology available. Isn’t that what most people want in their local hospital? Or do we expect more? It turns out, we DO want more as was discovered when two communities were asked to express their concerns and wishes during visioning sessions in Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley.

To help develop their next five-year strategic plan, Sacred Heart Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital both invited the community to visioning sessions to gain input on what the people would like to see in their future hospital and hospital system. Surprisingly, their communities wanted more than just the best technology. Throughout the discussions, one common theme became obvious; residents wanted their future healthcare system to take a holistic approach and treat mind, body and spirit.

Patients want the comfort of touch while they are in the hospital. They want physicians to speak with them rather than at them and use vocabulary that is understandable. Community members also said that physicians, nurses and other healthcare personnel need to look their patients in the eye and connect with them.

So keep in mind that no matter your industry – healthcare, retail, building products – sometimes your best ideas come from those who use your services and products – your customers.