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In my line of work, we talk a lot about the concept of health
care transformation. But what does that actually mean?
To me, transformation means anything that helps the health care system move from volume to
value—how we get to a place where we not only care for the sick but we also work to keep people
out of the hospital in the first place. This goal might be understandable, but it certainly isn’t simple.
The good news is that Oregon’s community hospitals work every day to make positive steps toward
a transformed system. These efforts are taking shape in a number of ways:
• Transforming health care by putting the patient’s needs at the center of care. This might seem like
a no-brainer, but if you’ve ever been on the receiving end of health care, you likely know exactly
what I mean. Oregon hospitals are actively engaging patients and their families to put the patient
first through the formation of Patient & Family Advisory Councils, where members of the local com-
munity provide input on hospital operations and practices—from the readability of welcome signs
to the design of new facilities. Learn more about this effort on page 13.
• Transforming health care by being transparent. During the last year, hospitals have spearheaded an
effort to make health care costs and quality easier to comprehend and easier to access. After all, if
health care leaders have trouble figuring out the cost and quality of care, then how do we expect
anyone else to understand it? Patients can now more easily find cost estimates for procedures,
prices paid for the most common inpatient and outpatient procedures, and a search-and-compare
tool on the quality of care, for every hospital in Oregon. Learn more about this effort on page 11.
• Transforming health care by ensuring that everyone who needs care gets it. Regardless of race, cul-
tural background or disability, all Oregonians are entitled to the highest quality of care. That is why
OAHHS signed the American Hospital Association’s #123forEquity Pledge to Eliminate Health Care
Disparities, and we are encouraging all of Oregon’s hospitals to join. Read about it on page 10.
• Transforming health care by eliminating geographic barriers: Thanks to tireless advocacy from hos-
pitals across the state, the State of Oregon has dedicated $10 million toward increasing health care
access and addressing workforce shortages in rural communities. Read all about this work on page 8.
In essence, health care transformation encompasses an array of concepts that enable the health care
system to act like a system. It brings together patients, payers, providers and purchasers to align
efforts and achieve the goals of better health, lower costs, and the highest quality.
I encourage you to share this issue of Hospital Voice with your fellow hospital leaders, employees
and board members and, as always, reach out to me any time.
Andy Davidson
President & CEO
Oregon Association of Hospitals & Health Systems
To find out more about your community hospitals, please visit us online at
www.oahhs.org.