Healthcare Challenges

Most of the healthcare departments are faced with numerous challenges which hinder effective service delivery within the organization. The management of these departments  should come up with solutions to such problems thus enabling the organization to have smooth operations. Some of these problems can be solved internally while others are requires external forces to solve them. It is the obligation of the organization to determine the nature of challenges facing them and look for adequate remedies to such problems (Walshe, 2011).

In this case, our ancillary department is faced with numerous challenges which require serious attention for effective and efficient service delivery. In order to solve the challenges facing our department, it is important to engage my staff since they will play a major role in finding solutions. To start with, let me bring to your attention that our department is faced with acute staff shortage. This has been very detrimental since service delivery in the ancillary department has been adversely affected. The shortage of ancillary service providers has greatly affected the performance within the department (Lachman, 2009).

The other major challenge facing our department is poor performance outcomes leading to a reduction in medical reimbursement dollars. Although it is understandable that the organization is facing acute staff shortage, this cannot be a good excuse as to why we should not perform as expected. It is expected that those of us already working in the department to give our best in order to improve the overall performance within the department. Failure to meet the expected levels of performance has adversely affected the economic status of our department since there is reduction in the Medicare reimbursement dollars.  It is the obligation of our staff to understand that their input matters most in the financial sustainability of the organization.

These challenges have direct impact in my department as the manager in the ancillary service department. My department is expected to offer diagnostic, therapeutic and custodial services to all the patients visiting our organization. Noting the big size of the department, it is important to have adequate staff to ensure that these services are adequately offered. However, it is important to acknowledge that the facility is understaffed thus making my work as the manager very difficult. As a manager, I am expected to organize and offer leadership to the staff to ensure that ancillary services are offered efficiently and effectively. However, with shortage in staffing it becomes difficult and at times it requires squeezing of the limited resources which may adversely affect our morale (Walshe, 2011).

Additionally, poor performance leading to a reduction in Medicare reimbursement dollars will also have adverse effects in our department. My department is a very sensitive department that requires adequate funding to enable the day to day activities carried out in the department. Some services such as radiology and audiology which are common in our department require very expensive machines which must also be well maintained to ensure that these services are effectively offered. Ancillary department also requires that some patients be accorded homecare which also requires extensive funding. It is therefore important for you to understand that underperformance can ruin the overall success of this department (Lachman, 2009).

In order to solve these challenges, it is essential for improved collaboration, communication and team work within our department. For instance, that is why I have decided to co9mmuniicate the problem of staff shortage to you. It is my hope that through effective communication, we can be able to deal with this problem. Communication will also help you understand importance of good performance as far as the organizational financing is concerned. The vision and objectives of the department cannot be fully achieved if the communication levels are not improved.

Collaboration and team work can also be very effective in eradicating the challenges facing our department. The shortage of staff can be dealt with if the available staff is coordinated in such a way that they collaborate to fulfill the objectives of our department. Working as a team will enable us to complete the obligations within the department within the stipulated time. Team work will also help improve our performance and outcomes thus leading to increase in reimbursement of Medicare dollar. As a manager in ancillary department, it is my obligation to cultivate collaboration, team work and communication which will be very essential in improving conditions within our department (Mechanic, 2004).

In order to cultivate communication and collaboration in our department, it is very important to understand necessary techniques that will help improve them. This can be cultivated by creating a culture whereby junior staff and top leadership feel free to give their thoughts. Such an environment is very important as it also improves the morale of the staff. Information and communication technology must also be embraced where the different players in our department can post their views using the modern technology (Lachman, 2009). Collaboration can also be cultivated to ensure that efficiency and effectiveness in the department is achieved. Communication and team work can be very essential in eliminating the major challenges facing the health sector especially in our department.

References

Lachman, V. (2009). The crisis in health care: Developing your moral compass : A guide for the health professional. New York: Springer.

Mechanic, D. (2004). Policy challenges in modern health care. New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press.

Walshe, K. (2011). Healthcare management (2nd ed.). Maidenhead, Berkshire, England: McGraw Hill/Open University Press.

 
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