Option #2: Daily Activities – Table
Part of the ethical and fiscal responsibility of a healthcare organization (HCA) is to be a good steward of resources, but HCAs may not connect their daily operations to this responsibility. Choose a specific type of healthcare organization for this assignment, such as a hospital, mental/behavioral health facility, long-term care, or surgery center. Generate a list of a healthcare administrator’s daily activities that could be considered part of this obligation. For example, waste management can be seen as just a business practice, but it has a larger impact. Provide examples and discuss ways that can improve administrators’ level of social responsibility in their daily operations. Consider real or potential ethical issues that may impact some of these daily activities as you write this list.
Your table should contain headings for daily activities, examples, ways that administrators can improve, and another heading for real or potential ethical issues. Any references must be formatted per CSU-Global specifications for APA Style. Support your analysis by referencing and citing at least three credible sources other than the course textbook, readings and lectures.
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Introduction:
As a medical professor designing assignments for medical college students, I understand the importance of incorporating real-world scenarios into their learning experiences. In this assignment, students are tasked with exploring the ethical and fiscal responsibilities of healthcare organizations (HCAs). Specifically, they are required to choose a specific type of healthcare organization and generate a list of daily activities for a healthcare administrator that align with this obligation. The students are also expected to provide examples, discuss ways administrators can improve their level of social responsibility, and identify any real or potential ethical issues that may arise. This assignment aims to encourage critical thinking and an understanding of the practical applications of ethical and fiscal responsibilities in healthcare organizations.
Answer:
Daily Activities Examples Ways Administrators Can Improve Real or Potential Ethical Issues
1. Resource allocation Allocating funds, equipment, and staff to different areas of the organization based on need and priorities Implement systems to better track resource allocation and effectiveness Ensure equal distribution of resources across different departments/units Discrimination in resource allocation based on patient characteristics (e.g., race, social status)
2. Waste management Implementing recycling and waste reduction programs Identifying waste reduction opportunities through process optimization (e.g., reducing unnecessary tests or supplies) Collaborating with suppliers to promote environmentally-friendly products and packaging Improper disposal of hazardous waste, leading to environmental harm
3. Procurement and purchasing Conducting thorough research and seeking competitive bids to ensure fair pricing and quality of supplies and equipment Establishing relationships with ethical suppliers who adhere to labor, environmental, and quality standards Applying sustainability criteria when selecting products and services Fraudulent practices in procurement process (e.g., accepting kickbacks from suppliers)
4. Financial management Monitoring the organization’s financial performance and budgets Ensuring compliance with financial regulations Implementing cost-saving measures such as energy conservation and bulk purchasing Applying fair and transparent pricing strategies Embezzlement or fraudulent financial reporting
5. Healthcare quality and safety Implementing evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes Conducting regular safety audits and implementing corrective measures Establishing a culture of continuous quality improvement Encouraging healthcare professionals to report errors or adverse events Neglecting patient safety concerns due to financial pressures or organizational priorities
6. Staffing and training Ensuring adequate staffing levels to maintain quality of care Providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workforce Addressing issues of employee burnout and turnover Unfair recruitment and hiring practices (e.g., favoring certain groups)
7. Community engagement Participating in community health initiatives and outreach programs Providing free or subsidized care to underserved populations Collaborating with community organizations to address health disparities Protecting patient privacy and confidentiality when engaging with community partners Conflicts of interest when collaborating with certain community organizations
In order to improve administrators’ level of social responsibility in their daily operations, it is crucial to prioritize transparency, ethical decision-making, and stakeholder engagement. Administrators should involve key stakeholders, such as healthcare professionals, patients, and community members, in decision-making processes. They should also establish clear guidelines and codes of conduct to promote ethical behavior and hold individuals accountable for any ethical violations. Additionally, continuous education and training on ethical and fiscal responsibilities should be provided to administrators and staff members to enhance their awareness and understanding.
Real or potential ethical issues that may arise in these daily activities can include discrimination in resource allocation, improper disposal of hazardous waste, fraudulent practices in procurement processes, embezzlement or fraudulent financial reporting, neglecting patient safety concerns, unfair recruitment and hiring practices, and conflicts of interest when engaging with community partners. It is essential for administrators to proactively address and mitigate these ethical issues through robust policies, procedures, and ethical guidelines. Regular monitoring and audits should also be conducted to ensure compliance and prevent any unethical behavior.
By critically examining these daily activities and the associated ethical considerations, administrators can enhance their understanding of the ethical and fiscal responsibilities of healthcare organizations. This knowledge will enable them to make informed decisions and contribute to the overall ethical climate and social responsibility of the healthcare organization they are a part of.
