Fairview Health Services: Remote Work & Telehealth Success | HealthTech Magazine
Fairview Health Services Pioneers Sustainable Remote Work Model, Boosting Efficiency and Patient Access
Minneapolis, MN – Fairview Health Services, a leading healthcare provider in the Upper Midwest, has successfully transitioned a significant portion of its workforce to remote and hybrid work models, a move initially accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic but now firmly rooted in a long-term strategy focused on employee well-being, cost savings, and enhanced patient care. The health system’s proactive investment in digital infrastructure, particularly its migration to Microsoft 365 prior to 2020, proved pivotal in ensuring a smooth and rapid adaptation.
From Snow Days to Standard Practice: A Technological Foundation
Before the pandemic, remote work at Fairview was largely reserved for exceptional circumstances, like inclement weather. “Working from home was still very much the exception, something you might do on a snow day,” explains Jason Garbisch, IT Infrastructure Director at Fairview Health Services. However, the organization’s foresight in adopting Microsoft 365 laid the groundwork for a far more substantial shift. This foundational investment allowed Fairview to quickly scale remote access and collaboration tools when the need arose, preventing significant disruption to operations. The subsequent implementation of Windows 11 Enterprise further optimized the use of Microsoft’s suite of applications, while ServiceNow streamlined remote IT support and management.
Telehealth Expansion and the Rise of Virtual Care
The shift to remote work wasn’t solely about maintaining internal operations; it also directly facilitated the expansion of Fairview’s telehealth program and “eVisits” offered through its virtual clinic. As physical access to healthcare facilities became more challenging during the pandemic, telehealth emerged as a critical lifeline for patients. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), telehealth use increased 38 times from the week ending March 7, 2020, to the week ending April 11, 2020. Fairview was well-positioned to meet this surge in demand, leveraging its existing digital infrastructure and a workforce increasingly comfortable with remote collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams.
Beyond Technology: Productivity and Cost Savings
Fairview’s experience aligns with a growing body of evidence suggesting that remote work can enhance productivity. Internal studies conducted by the health system have demonstrated that employees working remotely maintain comparable levels of output to those working in the office. Garbisch himself notes a personal benefit: “When I don’t go in, I can save an hour to 90 minutes each day just on the commute time. It helps me be more productive right away, and I don’t get frustrated sitting in traffic.” This increased efficiency translates into tangible cost savings for the organization, primarily through reduced real estate expenses. With healthcare costs continuing to rise – the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports that health expenditure as a share of GDP increased in most OECD countries in 2022 – finding ways to optimize operational costs is crucial for ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery.
The Future of Work in Healthcare: AI and Automation
Looking ahead, Fairview Health Services anticipates further improvements in its remote work capabilities through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. These technologies are expected to streamline workflows, enhance cybersecurity, and provide more personalized support to both employees and patients. As highlighted in a recent article, AI is already showing promise in improving healthcare collaboration and productivity in hybrid work environments. This aligns with broader trends in the healthcare industry, where AI is being explored for applications ranging from diagnostic imaging to drug discovery. For more on the evolving landscape of digital health, see our coverage on worldys.news/health.
Garbisch believes that remote work is “here to stay,” a sentiment echoed by many industry experts. The success of Fairview Health Services’ transition serves as a compelling case study for other healthcare organizations considering similar models, demonstrating that with careful planning, strategic investment, and a commitment to employee well-being, remote work can be a powerful tool for improving efficiency, enhancing patient access, and building a more sustainable future for healthcare.