I’m in the middle of two fascinating worlds. On one side I am surrounded by art, on the other I am deep in the healthcare world. I’m involved with both for the same reason – passion.
When Annie was hospitalized I was unable to make sense of the healthcare system. The “nod and wink” billing, the unfathomable amount of waste and most of all the errors. I was left with the feeling I must try and do something that might have an impact in a positive way. And it is hard to do. Whenever there are huge volumes of financial “flow" there are even greater levels of resistance to change. Five years later I am immersed in the side of healthcare software that focuses, through competency, on improving patient outcomes. It is a rising tide. Cost cutting and legislation are having a negative impact on patient outcome. Skills checking, checklists and required maintenance for up to date skills are the counterbalancing positive.
There is a parallel to what I am doing in the art world. Maintaining ones skills in medicine requires didactic as well as “hands on” application. It is the same as making in art. I can read all I want but until I apply the learning to my process I do not improve. And the passion? Yes in both. I would never want anyone to go through what Annie went through just on errors in the day to day process of keeping her alive. Without diligence the mistakes made could have been fatal a number of times.
Checklists and competency training are key to a good outcome whether you're starting an IV, connecting a welder or turning on a table saw. Checklists, competency training and verification of skills have made the airlines very safe. The same needs to apply to medicine.
Now to work on those studio checklists…
Urban Bones - Those distressed rebar rods that come to the surface as we excavate for new construction. Makes an interesting table base.
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