Health care institutional organization and management

Health Care Institutional Organization and Management

Question 1: Tools of the Trade

One of the tools routinely used in strategic planning is SWOT analysis. SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. In the words of Cole (2003), “strengths and weaknesses relate to internal capabilities, while opportunities and threats relate to the external environment” (113). To a large extent, this tool is helpful in the assessment of the competitive position of an entity. It is also routinely used by organizations to make the most of what they have to succeed in whatever it is that they engage in, and minimize the chances of failure by developing better understanding of inherent shortcomings and the hazards that lurk about. One of the key advantages of this particular approach is that it could be a key aid to decision making if used correctly. Its approach is also simplistic and easy to understand/apply.

Question 2: Anticipating Change

A disruptive technology could be perceived as an innovation or technology that has far-reaching impacts on the operations of a business or industry in which it operates. From a larger perspective, some of the disruptive technologies in the larger global context have been inclusive of personal computers, internet banking, etc. In healthcare, electronic health records (EHR) could be perceived as a good example of disruptive technology. This is more so the case given that they brought far reaching changes to the way data in healthcare settings is captured, stored, and shared. In the past, records in the healthcare realm were largely paper-based. With EHRs, Hoffman (2016) points out that access to patient info is quicker and that errors are less likely. The best way to be prepared for change is to have a mental or organizational framework of continuous improvement. This involves accepting that change is inevitable and only those entities that embrace change are likely to survive in a dynamic world.

Question 3: Customers

In basic terns, ‘customer engagement’ has got to do with the move to ensure that patients are integrated into their own care efforts with the overall intention of bettering health outcomes or minimizing costs. According to the World Health Organization – WHO (2016), “engaged patients are better able to make informed decisions about their care options” (4). Patent engagement could be measured via the assessment of the extent of shared decision making. Marketing strategies promote patient engagement. A good example on this front would be digital marketing. Digital marketing is essentially a good patient outreach tool. This is more so the case given that most patients have become tech-savvy. While promoting awareness about their brand, healthcare institutions could also support patient education by highlighting key healthy practices. For instance, in addition to raising awareness about a specific brand or treatment options available, patients (customers) can be made to understand certain diseases better – in what effectively supports shared decision making. Thinking of patent as customers comes in handy in the further advancement of patient-centered care.

Question 4: Accrediting Agency Selection