Pathways to Change: Exploring the Impact of Human Development in Healthcare

by Maddie Dixon

Picture a healthcare organization where every team member, from physicians to administrative staff, is not merely getting by but truly excelling. This is a future where turnover rates are drastically reduced, leadership is empowered, and patient outcomes are consistently improving. This is the vision that drives my work at Practicing Excellence .

Prior to working here, I learned a lot about healthcare from my family’s experiences. My mom has been a labor and delivery nurse for most of her life, and my sister has been a frequent patient for most of hers—going in and out of hospitals with different chronic illnesses. Growing up, I witnessed both the dedication required and the burdens carried by those on the front lines. Their experiences deepened my respect for healthcare professionals, while also creating a desire to see meaningful change within the field.

Now, as a Client Success Manager, I have a new lens into the world of healthcare. I meet with our client project managers, clinical leads, and executives each day to discuss the distinct challenges their organizations face and the strategic goals they aspire to achieve.

The Challenges: A Common Theme

In these conversations, a common theme emerges: it’s a tough time for healthcare. 

Organizations today are grappling with a lot of obstacles. High turnover rates, burnout, financial burdens, and communication gaps are just a few of the barriers I often hear. These issues not only impede operational efficiency but also affect the morale and well-being of every team member.

Despite these challenges, there is a growing recognition within these organizations that to stay afloat and to stay ahead, they must invest in their most valuable asset: their people.

Bridging Visions and Reality

So how can healthcare organizations invest in their people? At Practicing Excellence, we believe that the answer lies in a comprehensive and sustainable human development strategy.

When an organization partners with us, the first step is to understand what success looks like for them. Whether it’s fostering a strong sense of belonging among team members, enhancing connections and rapport between staff and patients, or developing empowered leaders who can drive change, we tailor our approach to meet their specific needs.

We dive deep into the scope. Should the entire organization align to move in one unified direction, or are there specific clinics or departments that need more focused support?

Practicing Excellence’s Client Success Team works closely with each organization to develop a detailed roadmap that aligns our content with their strategic priorities. This roadmap is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a customized plan designed to integrate seamlessly into the organization’s existing workflows.

Unique Offerings That Make an Impact

With so many competing priorities, our skill-building programs need to be embedded into team members’ daily work to make a real difference. To ensure this, we focus on the following pillars:

•  Aligned: We map our programs directly to an organization's goals, ensuring that every initiative supports their overarching objectives. If this means that we need to customize a program, like combining well-being content with patient experience content, we provide that option.
• Credible: All our content is evidence-based and delivered by industry titans, ensuring that every piece of learning material is not only credible but also crafted by experts who understand the unique challenges and roles within healthcare.

• Scalable: Our content is tailored to different roles. Physicians receive content delivered by other physicians, nurses by nurses, and administrative leaders by their peers. This role-specific approach ensures that the content resonates and is relevant to each role’s unique work and challenges.
• Quick: We use a microlearning approach to make learning practical and manageable for busy healthcare professionals.
• Actionable: Each piece of content includes a “Try This Challenge,” encouraging team members to apply what they’ve learned and share their experiences with their teams.
• Continuous: Our development strategies don't end with a single video or workshop. Instead, they are part of an ongoing learning and skill-building process, reinforced through continual learning and culture change.

Realizing the Vision: From Strategy to Success

The results we achieve through this process—whether it’s reducing turnover rates, improving leadership capabilities, or enhancing patient satisfaction—are a testament to the power of strategic human development. For me, the most rewarding part is knowing that I’m helping to shape the future of healthcare. 

It's about creating an environment where professionals like my mom, who have dedicated their lives to caring for others, can thrive without the weight of burnout. And it's about ensuring that patients like my sister receive care from a system that supports not just their physical health but also the well-being of those who care for them. And, ultimately, it’s about the entire healthcare workforce having the tools and support to make a meaningful impact as healers, leaders, and change-makers.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be diving into what the pathway of change looks like for organizations who invest in the human development of their teams. 

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Now, more than ever, skill-building in healthcare is crucial. If you’re seeking support to kickstart your organization’s continuous improvement journey, get in touch with us now.