1. How is your organization's and department's effectiveness measured?
Effectiveness in the field of healthcare can be measured by the use of quality assurance or quality management strategies. These strategies evaluate and measure specific activities and functions by means of a number of methods which monitor the adequacy of performance. This type of monitoring is extremely important in the field of healthcare in order to assure that entire organizations and the departments within the organization are properly following regulations and standards. Due to the fact that there is a great deal of patient information which crosses the paths of a number of employees on a daily basis, an auditing system must be implemented in order to guarantee that each patient is receiving the best and most appropriate care and treatment. Quality assurance strategies also assure that all departments are up to date in regards to technological advancements in the field and that there is an appropriate staff-to-patient ratio in place. Healthcare organizations and their numerous departments must always maintain the utmost effectiveness, quality management strategies and the auditing of patient and office records guarantees this effectiveness.
2. How do you contribute to the overall productivity of your department?
Many times the productivity of a particular department within an organization is only as effective or efficient as its weakest link and this is why it is so important for all members of a healthcare organization to work together in order to attain the same goals; the best patient care possible. The productivity of a department is dependent on the drive, ambition and enthusiasm of its employees and that is why it is so important to be aware of the things that need to be changed or fixed and either report these things to the manager or supervisor or attend to them personally. Employees should never ignore matters of concern because they feel it is not their place to voice their opinion; this has the potential to not only lower productivity, but specifically, within the field of healthcare, has the propensity to cause harm to individuals in their care. Healthcare employees should always assist others in their department by providing positive feedback and recognition when someone performs in an exceptional manner; this boosts confidence and lets others know that they are valued and appreciated which consequently boosts the productivity of the department.
3. Describe your or any organization's structure and design.
Structure and design are extremely important to the overall effectiveness of any organization. Healthcare organizations must be designed and structured in a top-down manner beginning with the administrator who is in charge of the overall operations of the facility and moving down to the individuals who maintain the appearance and functionality of the organization. No particular individual should be considered any more or less important than the next due to the fact that it takes everyone within the organization to keep it running in an effective manner. For instance, the following is an example of the structure of a generic organization;
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This type of structure is used in a good number of organizations and even though the president is at the highest level, this model illustrates the importance of individuals under them and does not place anyone at the very bottom of the pyramid. This is because all employees in any organization are equally important; if one link in the model is removed, the effectiveness and productivity of the entire organization will be compromised.