Application of Systems Theory
Meyer & O’Brien-Pallas (2010) state that healthcare organizations are conceptualized as open systems characterized by various components including differentiation, coordination, negative entropy, energy transformation, integration, and dynamic steady state. Therefore, systems theory play an important role in the healthcare organization setting. Based on the Nursing Services Delivery Theory, some of the characteristics of systems theory as applied to healthcare organizations include input, throughput, and output factors. Given the application of systems theory in healthcare organizations, this theory provides a valuable and beneficial way of examining challenges in healthcare organizations. This process requires examining all system components of the healthcare organization since some of these components may be healthy while others problematic. This paper demonstrates the application of systems theory in the health sector by examining components of an organization that utilizes systems theory terminology.
Healthcare Organization Department/Unit Using Systems Theory Terminology
An example of a healthcare organization that utilizes systems theory terminology in one of its departments or units is Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska. This 25-bed critical access, not for profit healthcare organization was established in 1974 and is currently equipped to provide care to over 30,000 people living in its referral area (Community Hospital, 2018). The hospital has proactively embraced technology to enhance care delivery processes and patient outcomes. Technology adoption at the organization is combined with employing the most competent medical professionals and encouraging the nursing workforce to pursue continuing education to enhance their competence.
One of this organization’s department/unit that utilized systems theory terminology is the ultrasound department that offers full abdomen, obstetrics, and gynecological services. The use of systems theory terminology in this department is evident in the fact that it comprises several smaller subsystems. Since the organization embraces technology and other components for improvement of healthcare...
In this regard, the effectiveness of the ultrasound department in providing high-quality care is influenced by interaction between smaller subsystems relating to obstetrics, gynecological, and abdomen services/systems.
Problem in the Department/Unit
The ultrasound department has played a critical role in the ability of Community Hospital to achieve its vision and mission. However, there are inherent problems or issues in this department that can be identified using the systems theory model. While the overall organization has constantly embraced latest technologies to improve care delivery, the ultrasound department experiences some problems with respect to inputs, outputs, throughput, cycle of events, and negative feedback. Hayajnhe (2007) state that inputs in systems theory refer to raw material, resources, and energy. For the Community Hospital’s ultrasound unit, one of the critical inputs is latest medical equipment and technological systems. The unit has outdated medical equipment and outdated amounts of basic and general supplies despite the organization’s commitment toward embracing technology. This department needs the latest digital mammography equipment, MRI machines, and scanners.
The outdated medical equipment has affected the unit’s throughput since the systems limit the ability of clinicians to conduct effective physical examination of patients that result in proper diagnosis and treatment approaches for patients’ conditions. Community Hospital ultrasound departments’ outputs are affected since the use of outdated medical equipment and technology contributes to poor patient outcomes. The cycle of events in healthcare delivery processes in this department are sometimes affected by inefficiencies that complicate the care delivery process. As a result of these factors, the hospital sometimes receive negative feedback from patients regarding care delivery and health outcomes.
Desired Outcome for the Problem
Systems theory can be applied to help address the problem through developing and implementing a desired outcome. Based on systems…
