Question

Discuss how the different organizational structures, as presented in Chapter 8, would be applied in different types of healthcare organizations (private hospital, public hospital, clinic, urgent care facility, private doctor's office, etc.). Which structure do you think is most productive in the different healthcare organizations that you determine, and why?

Answer 1

Healthcare organizations should have a specific organizational structure to maintain a steady workflow and quality care process. Kinds of organizational structures which are followed in healthcare organizations are as follows
• Hierarchical structure: It is the most popular type of organizational structure for healthcare organizations. Private sector organizations mostly use a hierarchical structure to maintain a steady flow of patient care communication. This structure separates organization in various groups and each group is led by a single supervisor. Healthcare professionals are grouped according to their functions.
• Matrix structure: Matrix structure signifies the creation of individual groups in an untraditional format. Healthcare staffs having similar skills are pooled for healthcare assignments. Each group is headed by one or more than one manager. It is a multi-managerial concept. Clinics and urgent care facilities maintain a matrix organizational structure. This structure allows clinics and emergency facilities to be skillful in particular health service working as a team player.
• Horizontal structure: This structure is generally followed in the offices of private doctors. It does not require high efficient patient care communication. Health staffs and the doctor is the decision-maker.
• Divisional structure: Divisional structure signifies separating an organization into the various division to reduce workplace hazards. The public sector healthcare organizations mostly maintain a divisional structure with several departments and commissions of health staffs.
Hierarchical the structure is the most productive organizational structure. The flow of healthcare information is very systematic and quick here. Moreover, patients are given proper care.