Dive Brief:
- Given that U.S. healthcare is "sick and getting sicker," it's time for healthcare leaders to take charge in a new and decisive manner, argues management expert and "disruption" godfather Clayton Christensen.
- Christensen's research suggests that when people don't agree on what they want or how to get what they want, forceful leadership is the only approach that works.
- His proposals for addressing some of the industry's key dilemmas include reducing overhead by creating specialized venues focusing efficiently on specific procedures; having health plans switch from fee-for-service toward bundled payments or capitation, or at least reference pricing; and employers creating incentives for employees to exercise, manage their weight and get preventive screenings.
Dive Insight:
Christensen's recommendations aren't that unique overall, but his suggestion that healthcare leaders become tougher and more autocratic strikes a new chord. He expects this generation of powerful leaders to undertake some very difficult (and doubtless unpopular) tasks such as consolidating volume in a small number of hospitals, driving others out of business.
One can only imagine the level of community outrage and employee frustration that could arise from such a forcible restructuring of the healthcare system. No wonder he believes that only the thickest-skinned leaders will be able to pull off such changes. It's not clear where these leaders will come from, but if Christensen is right, the future of American healthcare may depend upon it.