Healthcare Special Problems

4. Refer to Figure 5.8 on page 260 of your book. Describe and discuss 1) components and how they flow and link and 2) the way in which management functions, skills, roles, and competencies interrelate with the components. (10)

The way the components flow within a healthcare environment is essential to our everyday workflow. To describe figure 5.8 it shows the external factors of an HSO, such as political, legal, public policy, technology, health research and education, competitors, public policy, financing, health status, public health, ecological, economic, public expectations and cultural/sociological factors. These all contribute the flow within a Healthcare organization system. These start with the inputs, which includes HR, materials management, supplies and technology. Also included with the inputs are Information, capital resources, patients/customers and any other factors. Next is the conversion factor, which integrates structure, people, tasks and technology together. Then come the outputs which include individual and organizational work results, which leads to the mission fulfillment and objectives such as patient care, costs, social stakeholder responsibility, education, training research reputation and quality. All of which can continuously improve and change. This is where management comes in, as healthcare leaders we are change agents for our organization. If we see an issue with quality, we take steps to change it. If we see a need for education we get that education where needed. As healthcare managers you must function with the tenacity and strength to continuously improve yourself, your subordinates and the organization. As a manager all the outside factors such as political or public policy will keep you on your toes to ensure your following rules to make sure that your institutions reputation and image are reflected so your stakeholders are happy as well. Other outside factors such as economic and technology will determine how you foresee the budget for the next quarter. These all correlate and are taken into consideration when implementing these changes as a manger.