Peter Schorsch
Health care systems have faced unprecedented challenges this year, and while some intend to grow to meet the needs of their communities, Tampa General doesn’t believe bigger means better.
“There is a tendency in our industry to think that building our way out of a problem is the only way out of the problem,” said John Couris, President and CEO. “We are wired to think that if we have a length-of-stay problem, we should build more beds to increase capacity and improve throughput. But then the health system builds more beds, and the length of stay stays the same. We believe we have to build when there’s a new need to build, but we also have to do a better job with what we currently have and become more efficient and effective driving quality in a sustainable way.”
Couris, who was recently named to INFLUENCE Magazine’s Influence 100 for his role in helping the state respond to COVID-19, isn’t just talking the talk. He’s walking the walk.
Last month, Tampa General reported that more than $40 million has been saved through the system’s CARECOMM operation. CARECOMM, which was launched in 2019, uses 20 artificial intelligence applications to optimize patient care operations and used real-time actionable information throughout the hospital. By increasing efficiencies, this operation helps reduce length of stay and cut costs for patients.
Gov. Ron DeSantis was on campus for the grand opening, during which he remarked: “If you had told me we were in Kennedy Space Center in [Tampa General], I probably would have believed you. They’ve broken down all these barriers and are able to achieve efficiencies and I think that’s great.”
It’s operations like CARECOMM and other investments in technology that have made Tampa General one of the first hospitals already prepared to receive, store and distribute millions of doses.
Tampa General is one of five Florida hospitals that will be the first to receive and administer the vaccine in just a matter of weeks. According to DeSantis, in just 24 hours after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves a vaccine, the vaccine will be shipped across the country. Florida is ready, the Governor said, with millions of syringes, needles and other supplies necessary to administer the vaccine.
Just last week, Tampa General administered the first dose of a new antibody treatment available to COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms.
The hospital’s digital transformation has been accelerated under the leadership of Couris. And because of its partnerships and investments in technology, Tampa General was quick to adjust when COVID-19 hit and ramp up telehealth opportunities to meet the needs of the community it serves.
“When COVID-19 cases appeared in Florida earlier this year, our telehealth offerings exploded overnight. Telehealth was already a part of our plan, but now it’s got a center-stage role,” Couris said. “Where we are making investments now is in the experience of virtual healthcare delivery.”
Tampa General relies on its partners at GE Healthcare and Philips to implement the technologies proven to increase efficiencies and cut costs.
“We have a natural orientation and bent toward leveraging technology for improving access, convenience, quality and cost to the consumer. We realize that we’ve got to lead the way, or we’ll get swept up in the change,” said Couris. “We don’t have all the answers, but we appreciate and understand the importance and significance of leveraging innovation and technology to achieve our mission.”
