Embracing Change and Advancing Health Equity: Insights from Our Latest Board Retreat

Last week, alongside key leaders within GBMC HealthCare, I had the privilege of attending our annual board retreat. This important gathering was an opportunity to review and refine our strategic plan—a living document that we diligently update each year to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape. Our six “strategic moves” remain consistent, but we have enriched our focus by formally integrating critical components related to diversity, equity, inclusion and national patient safety goals. 

During the retreat, we also explored significant developments, including the new States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model, which promises to reshape healthcare delivery in Maryland. As many of you know, I’ve often discussed Maryland’s unique waiver system in this blog. The AHEAD Model (which I also previewed here) builds on the waiver by integrating global budget and primary care initiatives, aiming to control costs, enhance population health, and drive health equity. 

Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, Chair of the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC), was with us to discuss these initiatives. He talked through the history of the HSCRC and the Maryland Model, from the time before the global budget for hospitals to the present where we are working to transform care and keep people healthy and, hopefully, out of the hospital. The AHEAD model requires a commitment to primary care and population health from ALL healthcare organizations in Maryland—a shift from previous practices. 

GBMC HealthCare is well-prepared for this transition. Over the past decade, we have consistently prioritized advanced primary care and access to care, which serves as a foundation for our success under the AHEAD Model. 

I am optimistic about the potential of the AHEAD Model to lead the nation towards a more equitable and effective healthcare system. We are ready to embrace these changes! 

As we move forward, I am eager to share our progress and learnings with you. Together, we will continue to navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery, driven by our mission to provide the care we would want for our own loved ones. 

Maryland Patient Safety Center Award Reception 

I was delighted to attend the Maryland Patient Safety Conference, where two of our hospital improvement efforts were recognized with the Maryland Patient Safety Center’s Minogue Award, Circle of Honor for 2024. 

I’ve highlighted the two initiatives below and want to congratulate and thank all who were involved in this important work! 

• Innovating Patient Safety: Leveraging Technology to Decrease the Incidence of Pulmonary Embolisms & Deep Vein Thrombosis – This collaborative improvement effort among quality, surgery, and IT has led to a meaningful reduction in patient harm. 
• Using the Lean Management System to Improve Recognition of and Response to Postpartum Hemorrhage – This innovative cross-departmental, multidisciplinary process redesign has improved maternal health outcomes.