Health Management 101

In this day and age, technology is at the core of healthcare innovation. It stores everything from patient data, to the updated cafeteria menu, all the way to the most important medical devices used by each specific unit. In most cases, people view technology as a way to communicate. Although administration and management practically run off of technology, there are issues that occur more often than one thinks. On a day to day basis, administration and management use technology to do simple day to day tasks. Cell phones are not only personal tools but they are also used to update schedules, check emails, contact physicians, and speak between other coworkers. But, could technology influence management and administration in a negative way? Is it possible for technology to be a barrier as opposed to a support tool? In my opinion, I feel as though technology, although can be destructive in some cases, it is more positive than negative when it comes to healthcare. When a patient leaves ...

When it comes to managing healthcare facilities such hospitals, or long term care facilities, I feel as though it can be common for coworkers to disagree. As an employee of a hospital and a dementia unit, I have experienced conflict with coworkers. But, from a perspective of an administrator, how does one help to fix issues between coworkers and mend conflict? As a twenty year old college student, I've never managed anything but a group project. Most of the time, everyone is in agreement with the plan of attack, and usually when there is a potential issue, it immediately gets fixed by one person in the group deciding to take control to correct the issue. But, how does an administrator take control of an issue? What is the best method of attack when it comes to mending conflict? Is there a secret to avoiding conflict, or is it inevitable when working in large healthcare organizations?   I read an article online about resolving conflict situations between coworkers, and ...

Behavioral health has been a controversial topic in not only healthcare, but other industries as well. There is a certain stigma attached to behavioral health that seems to draw people to negative conclusions about the topic. In my opinion, behavioral health issues seem to be more prevalent now, than they were before. In 2015, $3.2 trillion dollars were spent on healthcare in the United States ( National Health Expenditures 2015 ). Of that, $163.3 billion dollars were spent on personal care services, which include "residential mental health" facilities ( National Health Expenditures 2015 ). With all of the money in healthcare, why isn't there more being done for those struggling with mental health issues?  I often hear peers talk about the lack of resources for those with mental health issues. When it comes to behavioral health, there are not many options for people.  In New Hampshire, there are only ten active mental health centers ( New Hampshire Department of H...

It is no secret that there is somewhat of a divide in healthcare between the administration and the clinical team. In some organizations, it is more difficult for both sides of healthcare to coincide, while in others, flow and communication seems effortless. Why is this I wonder? I always thought it was interesting to see how both sides of health care interacted with each other, and why it was so difficult for some to get along. After hearing multiple guest speakers in class, I understand more why the divide is prevalent. The clinical team, which is often comprised of nursing assistants, nurses, and physicians, focus solely on the health of their patients. Their one goal is to make sure the health of their patients is not compromised and the care they are able to provide is excellent, efficient, and effective. The administration team on the other hand, is focused more on business. Although a great deal of their focus is on patient care, they are more so focused on the backs...