HA4300D – Healthcare Management and Supervision Discussion 02: Healthcare Management Skills Healthcare Managers have various functions, skills, and roles in a variety of settings. Due to the versatility of the HC profession, basic management principles are key skills to possess. Discuss the management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Give an example of each using a HC related function that is performed in a healthcare setting (hospital, clinic, skilled nursing facility). Umiker’s Management Skills for the New Health Care Supervisor—Vitalsource #magicMAN61
The management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling are crucial for healthcare managers to effectively carry out their roles in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. Understanding these functions and their application in a healthcare context is essential for the successful operation and management of healthcare organizations.
The first management function is planning, which involves setting goals, objectives, and strategies to achieve those goals. In a healthcare setting, planning is necessary for various tasks, such as developing a strategic plan to improve patient satisfaction. For instance, a hospital may plan to implement a new patient feedback survey system to gather information on patient experiences, which can then be used to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance patient satisfaction.
The second management function is organizing, which involves arranging resources, tasks, and people to achieve the goals set during the planning stage. In the context of a clinic, organizing could involve creating staff schedules to ensure appropriate coverage and efficient patient flow throughout the day. For example, the clinic manager may organize the nursing staff to ensure that there are sufficient nurses available during peak patient hours, improving the overall efficiency of the clinic and reducing patient wait times.
The third management function is leading, which involves influencing and motivating individuals or teams to work towards the organization’s goals. In a skilled nursing facility, the manager’s leadership role may involve motivating the nursing staff to provide high-quality care to residents. This could include implementing a recognition program to acknowledge and reward exceptional performance, fostering a positive work environment and motivating staff to provide the best possible care to residents.
The fourth management function is controlling, which involves monitoring and evaluating performance to ensure that goals are being met and taking corrective action if necessary. In a hospital, controlling may involve monitoring and evaluating the quality of care delivered to patients. For example, the hospital could establish a system to track and analyze patient outcomes, such as infection rates or readmission rates, in order to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes to enhance the quality of care provided.
In conclusion, the management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling are vital skills for healthcare managers across various settings. These functions enable healthcare managers to effectively set goals, allocate resources, motivate staff, and monitor performance in order to ensure the successful operation and management of healthcare organizations. By understanding and applying these functions in a healthcare context, managers can contribute to the delivery of high-quality care and the overall success of their healthcare organizations.