Akwara: End-to-end healthcare management key to patient’s experience

In today's healthcare landscape, the focus on improving patients' experiences is crucial. The Associate Partner at Ciuci Growth Advisors, Onome Akwara, emphasizes the importance of end-to-end healthcare management in ensuring a positive outcome for patients. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Akwara highlighted the innovative approach taken by AGCare through the development of the Clinical HEIRS framework. This six-step model is designed to tackle challenges and enhance healthcare delivery across all facets of the industry. The conversation began with Akwara underscoring the significance of organized healthcare management. She mentioned that understanding and addressing the various components that contribute to a patient's experience requires a holistic approach. While healthcare traditionally revolves around medical professionals such as doctors and nurses, Akwara stressed the need to manage all aspects of healthcare comprehensively to achieve success. She noted that success in healthcare is primarily measured through the lens of patients' experiences, making it essential to adopt a patient-centric perspective. AGCare's Clinical HEIRS framework addresses the gaps in healthcare management by focusing on specific pillars: clinical excellence, human-centered care, employee development, innovation, relationships, and standardization. Through these pillars, the framework aims to streamline operations, enhance patient care, and drive continuous improvements in healthcare delivery. The 'C' in the Clinical HEIRS framework stands for clinical excellence, emphasizing the importance of achieving optimal clinical outcomes for patients. Akwara highlighted the need to measure not only patients' physical well-being but also the timeliness and effectiveness of treatments. The 'H' represents human-centered care, which involves prioritizing patients' individual needs and fostering empathetic interactions within healthcare settings. Employee development plays a central role in the 'E' pillar, recognizing the significance of skilled and motivated healthcare professionals in delivering quality care. The 'I' focuses on innovation, highlighting the value of incorporating new ideas, technology, and data-driven approaches to optimize healthcare processes. Building strong relationships, both locally and internationally, is emphasized in the 'R' pillar as a means to foster collaboration and access to resources. Standardization, denoted by the 'S' in the framework, ensures consistency and adherence to global best practices across healthcare operations. By establishing standardized protocols and processes, healthcare providers can enhance quality assurance and operational efficiency. Akwara shared insights on how the Clinical HEIRS framework addresses the welfare and compensation of health workers, a critical factor in maintaining quality care delivery. She highlighted the importance of employee experience and development, noting that AGCare has implemented initiatives such as the AJ Care Leadership Network to offer growth opportunities and leadership training for healthcare professionals. By investing in employee development and creating a supportive work environment, healthcare organizations can retain talent and improve overall service quality. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the integration of comprehensive management frameworks like Clinical HEIRS will be instrumental in driving positive outcomes for patients and healthcare providers alike. By prioritizing patient experiences, fostering innovation, and nurturing a skilled workforce, healthcare organizations can navigate challenges effectively and deliver sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery.