Schon Klinik Eating Disorder Care Case Solution

2. How would you evaluate Schon's outcome measurement system? Why does it seem to be working? How is Schon using outcome information with other stakeholders?

The outcome measurement system at Schon is aimed at improving the quality of care and services at the hospital. The “Measurable, Tangible, Better” culture at Schon had become a company slogan and implemented extensively. Since therapies regarding eating disorders weren’t systematic, the outcome measurement system was a good step to streamline processes based on the retrieved information. Measurement of results is imperative to further improve performance. A survey of patients was also an ideal step in the right direction to gauge their experience and their levels of expectations. This is working because the employees are encouraged to improve their processes and performance. The young and driven workforce are keen to work together, share data, and discuss on how to improve therapies. Stakeholders are also benefiting from this system and the results it highlights. Firstly, the employees i.e. the clinicians and physicians can better understand eating disorders and develop therapeutic strategies that are more specific. Moreover, customer experience and success can also be improved through the system in the sense that they receive better quality healthcare services that are successful in curing the specific eating disorder. The outcome measurement system is, therefore, working very well for Schon.

3. What is Schon's model for delivering care for eating disorders? How would you evaluate its approach?

Schon has now been able to streamline its process of delivering care for eating disorders. It has been the pioneer and was the leading inpatient provider for the type of condition. With dedicated wards and staff, the process is highly streamlined. The process starts with pre-admission consultancy with the PCP. If the condition is severe, the patient is admitted and at the times of admission is interviewed by a psychiatrist or psychologist. The treatment is targeted towards the condition and the dedicated staff caters to the specific needs of the patient. Before discharge, the patients could be referred to nearby step-down facilities, and there is an efficient way to monitor performance post discharge. The approach is highly streamlined and smooth. It is highly beneficial to the patient given the in-depth analysis and the proper treatment procedures as highlighted in the appendix of the case given the schedule of activities, appointment, etc. Moreover, the outcome improvement system is further polishing the process on a continuous level so that better care can be provided to the patients. The surveys conducted also provide valuable feedback for Schon to analyses its systems, processes and procedures and further improve them.

4. How could the approach to eating disorder care be improved and expanded?

The treatment of eating disorder care should follow a multi-model approach since it is known that these disorders usually have more than one cause. Although Schon has been making considerable efforts in ensuring the same, certain steps can be taken in addition to improve further and expand the care. Another important element to note is that relapses do occur, and post-treatment care should be given very high importance in the case of eating disorders. Psychological and psychiatric treatments for the disease are usually long term in nature and post-treatment follow-up mechanisms need to be in place to ensure long term treatment for the issue.