When someone sends me a press release that says that a hospital has attested to meaningful use or has achieved HIMSS stage 7, I kind of roll my eyes and move on. As a blogger, it really doesn’t tell me much about that organization. It’s one small data point in what I try to look at in the broader health IT ecosystem. Now, if I don’t see these things happening, I’ll start to wonder what’s going on. However, one individual announcement to me isn’t that interesting.
That’s not to say that healthcare organizations shouldn’t participate in programs like meaningful use and the various HIMSS stages. Sure, the incentive money is great and the adoration of your colleagues at HIMSS when you achieve HIMSS stage 7 is great as well, but that’s not why you should do either of these (ok, maybe the money in MU is worth doing it for).
The best reason your organization should look at going after something like HIMSS stage 7 is because there’s a lot of value in an organization working towards a goal. Of course you should look at the goals you’re trying to achieve to make sure your pointed in the right direction, but nothing unifies an organization like trying to achieve a special recognition. It’s hard to underestimate the value that’s created working towards a common goal.
Having an ambitious goal for your organization helps everyone in your organization to perform better and takes your organization to a higher level than you could have ever dreamed. We could argue over the value or lack thereof of meaningful use. What can’t be argued is the way organizations have come together to be meaningful use compliant.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of celebrating these achievements. While it’s one thing to celebrate your achievements internally (and you should), it’s also really valuable for those in your organization to receive accolades and recognition from their peers in other organizations.
Next time you look at some of these recognition, definitely consider if they espouse the values your organization wants to achieve. However, also take into account the powerful force a high goal and recognition for achieving that goal can provide your organization.