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TECHNOLOGY IS OFTEN blamed for our troubles and challenges working with healthcare data. However, human interaction and poor communication is really where the problems begin.
The cornerstone of effective communication is successful data and information governance within healthcare's crossfunctional teams. Cross-functional teams are commonplace in organizations today. They represent a collaborative team approach and are crucial for executing in this fast-paced and ever-changing work environment. This cooperation begins with solid communication and a foundation of accountability within core teams, and can spread across a variety of cross-functional teams working on cross-functional projects.
Recognized Need for Skill Sets
The expanded need for allied healthcare professionals to have a diverse skill set continues to trend throughout the healthcare industry. Angie Fergen, RHIA, CHPS, manager, identity services, Epic security coordinator at Saint Luke's Health System (Saint Luke's), based in Kansas City, MO, recognized this need long ago when she was forming her team of information technology and health information management (HIM) professionals.
"It takes someone who is well-rounded in healthcare, but also detail-oriented to get into the weeds and analyze what needs to be done," Fergen says. Fergen and her colleague, Sharon Korzdorfer, MPA, RHIT, director of HIM at Saint Luke's, strive for a strong communication connection between their teams.
"Our best practices from the HIM side include weekly meetings with our HIM...