Divides in Healthcare

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 backside of the organization. Administration goals include thing such as budget control, or malpractice issues that want to be avoided. Things like managing teams, or starting new innovative projects while also hiring people who can provide correct care for their organization are goals administration focuses on.

So, what is the issue between the two? I have come to the conclusion that although both teams of the healthcare world want the best for their organization and the patients that inhabit it, they can’t agree because of the way things are executed. Administration comes up with the rules, and the policies. These are the things that some physicians don’t agree with, the things that cost them the ability to give the care they want to be giving. In most cases, I feel as though administration and the clinical side of an organization cannot agree on things because physicians or nurses want to be doing more for their patients. They want to be spending more, executing more, healing more with innovative technology that may just not fit the budget at the time.

With these issues though, there is still communication through both parties. And there are doctors and administration coinciding together, making decisions for the organization, as well as the patients. In my opinion, in order for an organization to run at top speed, the administration must have clinical roles involved. This will allow better flow of communication, as well as a better understanding of where administration comes from when they implement policies and rules that some may not agree with.

I do not think that these issues will ever fully be fixed, although I do hope. In any situation, not everyone will agree. It is important either way to make sure everyone understands, communicates, and works efficiently and effectively while providing the best possible care.