Question

Effective healthcare management involves exercising professional judgment and utilizing the necessary skills to carry out managerial functions. Describe the various functions of healthcare managers. What are the key differences between each one? How can the healthcare manager ensure high performance in his/her business

please provide references

Answer 1

Functions of health care managers:

1. Communication, Co-ordination and problem solving: The primary function of heath care managers is to maintain communication within and outside the organization. Co-ordinate the activities for better health care; problem solving and decision making are critical functions of health care managers.

2. Budgeting and finance: Preparation of budgets, sources and application of funds are other managerial functions of health care managers.

3. Personnel management: Health care managers have to recruit suitable professionals at right place, train them, appraise their performance, compensate them and work for their development.

4. Health information: Health care managers have to continually update themselves on information regarding advances in health care.

5. Policy and insurance functions: Health care managers have to prepare policies that match the needs of organization. Additionally, managers have to keep themselves abreast with all health related policies. Additionally, they have to take care of insurance issues.

How can the healthcare manager ensure high performance in his/her business?

1. Set proper goals that are achievable in a specific time bound. Unrealistic goals are often cause of failure.

2. Study the outcome from each investment carefully.

3. The team must be well balanced with right mix of professionals, paramedical staff, supporting staff.

4. Conduct periodic performance appraisals and offer investments and increase in pay based on appraisal.

5. Make realistic plans and communicate them clearly to the team.

References:

1. Parand, A., Dopson, S., Renz, A., & Vincent, C. (2014). The role of hospital managers in quality and patient safety: a systematic review. BMJ Open, 4(9). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-005055

2. Purnell, L. D. (1999). Health care managers' and administrators' roles, functions, and responsibilities. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 23(3), 26-37.