Health care, like all industries, undergoes significant change routinely. As managers it is imperative to be aware of changes in the landscape, organization and industry. Based on the readings this week, your own research and your own practical experience select a SPECIFIC change in the health care industry (technology, regulatory, financially, etc.). BE MNIDFUL NOT TO REPEAT A CLASSMATES TOPIC.

First identify the change, the background and reasoning for the change. Second, as a health service manager discuss how you would scan the environment for change and utilize the six basic management functions to address change in an organization to improve the quality of health care programs in a SPECIFIC organization of your choice.

Example:

For instance, select Mayo Clinic related to a health management change in the environment explain how through the six basic management functions the organization and teams would be able to improve the quality of a health program. Mayo has a strong background in cancer care and is focused on the national and international environment as a market.

The advent of the internet has allowed organizations more connectivity with patients through online tools while a risk utilizing open communication tools this can be mitigated by management through legal disclaimers and clear consistent monitoring of communications.

The quality and access of second opinions online for Oncology patients around the world can be improved through immediate access utilizing online chat tools. To communicate this the organization can use social media, professional conferences with physicians and community outreach. The entire plan for this program would be conducted through a multi-disciplinary team of legal, financial, clinical and administrative experts.

This team will need a leadership model that is matrixed and clear objectives. Some may be resistant to the changes due to risk and traditional models of patient care interaction. Education and discussion around new models, evidence based data related to online tools and patient acceptance can be used to discuss and clarify concerns of the team members. Clear objective for the outcome of the team and organizational goal for success will direct the team.

Utilize scholarly literature to support your claims - be clear that you understand the six management functions but do not simply list them. There is a multitude of literature and information on leadership that apply to health care executives and managers.

Consider items like the coordination of human resources, multi-disciplinary teams, dashboard reporting, KPI assessment, project management techniques, freeze / unfreeze techniques, and communication. Some research around acceptance of change by clinicians or health service workers may lead you to different conclusions about how to manage this specific group of people.

In being specific name the change and affected specific organization or department - apply the six areas and your research to your selections.