Role and Application of Management Functions by Today's Health Care Managers:
One of the most exciting positions within the healthcare field is that of healthcare managers who are mainly responsible for the efficient and effective running of healthcare facilities. In order for an individual to become a healthcare manager, he/she must possess necessary skills to handle personnel, develop and implement policy, and carry out the long-term goals of the healthcare facility. In most cases, a healthcare manager is required to have leadership and organizational ability qualities. The need for a healthcare manager across health facilities emanates from the rapid growth of the health industry that has led to numerous job opportunities in this field. Since healthcare managers play a critical role in the effective running of a health facility, they have important management functions to implement.
Role of Healthcare Managers:
The role of healthcare managers usually varies depending on the health facility where the individual works. As a result there has been a huge misconception regarding the role of a health care manager within a health facility. In a small facility, the healthcare manager is mandated with the task or function overseeing the whole facility. On the other hand, the individual may only oversee one department in a large hospital and work with other departments for the smooth operation of the facility ("Role of A Healthcare Manager," 2010).
Some of the most common functions of a healthcare manager include financial management, making business decisions, office management, and collaboration...
Under financial management, healthcare managers try to provide the most suitable coverage at the lowest costs while ensuring that inventory and costs are kept low. Office management by a healthcare manager involves duties that ensure the smooth running of the office such as ensuring that manpower is enough at all times, equipments are in proper working condition, and running daily reports. For the effective management of the needs of every healthcare client, a healthcare manager should discuss important issues with doctors and make several important and strategic decisions for the department or facility.
As the role and function of a healthcare manager depends on the respective health facility, these professionals may need to specialize in several areas. First, a healthcare manager can become a clinical manager where he/she develops and executes the policies of a particular department. As a clinical manager, the professional will also be involved in monitoring the performance of the personnel and develop budgets for the department. Second, the professional can specialize as a health information manager with the responsibility of maintaining patient records. Third, a healthcare manager can also be a group medical practice manager where he/she works with a group of physicians and deals with several business affairs like personnel issues.
The most important function or role of a healthcare manager is management of staff largely because the effectiveness of care services is partly dependent on care givers (Ricks, n.d.). In conducting their role or function of management of staff,…
