Bussiness solutions for the health sector
Nature is our role model...
… because it is fascinating how it continually develops processes, systems and strategies. As health agents of the savanna, we come across social birds, the so-called oxpeckers, which feed on maggots and larvae. For this purpose, they are often perched on big wild animals or domesticated gregarious animals. With their strong beaks, the birds clean parasites from their fur. They also warn their host animals against approaching predators. Even if oxpeckers are not necessarily dependent on host animals, they still prefer to live with them, because they provide protection and food. It shows the general picture of a typical case of symbiosis as the carrier of the bird is eventually relieved of parasites. This contributes to the health of the host animal, helps to reduce the risk of epidemics and improves the health of the whole herd, three important parts of a whole. We have looked into our health sector a bit more precisely. Here are the examined priorities:
An intensive research indicated a certain trend in the segment of medical laboratories. Those not directly connected with a practice or a hospital seem to have an advantage compared to the laboratories connected to a practice or a hospital. This applies particularly when procedures and processes are optimized. These “free” laboratories can then achieve a more balanced utilization of their capacities and can react to changes more flexibly. At certain peak times, there will be a predictable number of samples (e.g. due to the number of patients) in a hospital that need to be processed (immediately) – all with the aim of helping a patient quickly and reliably. Is it necessary that each hospital laboratory must assist physicians 24 hours every day with its entire staff? It seems reasonable to conclude: No, a skeleton staff e.g. for the night hours might possibly be enough. This is also the case when an independent laboratory is working a few hours beyond the presence of its clients, until the tasks of the day are completed. In an optimum state, the amount of work meets exactly the available resources and operating hours leading to the best possible utilization, efficient and effective at the same time.
To find out more about our thoughts on needs-based services, please continue reading here.
On the laboratory market, consolidation is taking place. Bigger laboratories or laboratory companies are taking over smaller (eventually more specialized) ones with the aim to broaden or specifically strengthen their portfolio. Which advantages does this offer? An important advantage is certainly the utilization rate. By logistically ensuring that more samples are received (e.g. by expanding the catchment area), the idle time is inevitably reduced. Increasing the amount of courier trips to the customers to receive samples or to deliver results also has a positive effect on the utilization rate. If the amount of samples is increased while the costs for equipment and staff are maintained, the price per sample can be reduced. At the same time, the time span to report results to the customer could be reduced. Laboratories being part of a big company that already serves a broad portfolio additionally have the possibility to develop special areas of expertise thus broadening their portfolio and expertise as well as increasing customer loyalty. This not only applies to Germany, but also to Europe and beyond.
Half a dozen of laboratory companies already make up for more than 50% of the market. However, the continuing consolidation is actually also accompanied by a decreasing number of medical diagnostic laboratories. So at the same time, a kind of market shakeout is taking place.
To find out more about our thoughts on the consolidation of laboratories, please continue reading here.
We have closely examined the common polygon relationship between patient, physician, hospital, laboratory and manufacturers of medical devices and thought about this special constellation. Often a communication issue ensues because of the different expectations, assessments and requirements of all persons involved.
Considering the need for information of the different parties with regard to data protection guidelines, a different understanding already arises among physician and patient. A similar relationship exists between the physician and a laboratory. In contrast, the relationship between a patient and a laboratory is rather relaxed.
To find out more about our thoughts on a potential relationship crisis between patient, physician and laboratory, please continue reading here.