Structure and Process in Health Care Organizations and Health Care Policy

Introduction

The structure and process in health care organizations is inherently tied to health care policy, the aim of which is always to provide the best quality care to patients that is possible. For that aim, the structure of health care organizations, their inherent processes, and the overarching health care policies all serve important parts in determining the outcome of the patient experience. They impact accessibility and affordability of care; they affect the efficiency of care delivery. This paper examines the interrelatedness of these elementsstructure, process, and policyto show how they act to serve the patient.

Structure of Health Care Organizations

From primary care clinics to specialized hospitalizations and rehab centers, structure determines operations. Even field hospitals rely upon a set structure in the care of patients. No matter whether it is an emergency situation or setting, or one in which care is determined months in advance, structure is essential. Structure is how everyone knows role and responsibility, and typically a hierarchy of roles is established within that structure, and operational systems are implemented.

Thus, at the top of most structures one finds the administrative level, where executives and board members make decisions about the business and corporate strategy for the organization (Luciano et al., 2020). This is where direction and policies are determined. Below this level, one finds management and department heads of staff; the next level down consists of clinical staff members, such as physicians, nurses, and techs. At every level, for every role, there are formulated and defined responsibilities, jurisdictions, and expectations. This is all established and communicated to maintain order and functionality within and throughout the organization as a whole.

Operational systems are set up for patient registration, medical record keeping, billing, and other administrative tasks. These systems need to be efficiently organized and operated so as to keep services functional and so as to provide patients with satisfaction on the administrative side of care provision. These operations are also essential in assisting the organization with maintenance of its own financial stability.

Overall, the structure of a health care organization is not static and it will change in accordance with the business plan, strategy, and goals of the organization. It will change based on the needs of the patient population, advancements in medical technology (such as the adoption of telehealth services), and changes in health care policies (such as regulations regarding scope of practice laws for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses). Nonetheless, a well-structured organization can adapt to these changes, and continue to provide services and quality care to all patients.

Processes in Health Care Organizations

Processes in health care refer to the series of actions taken to provide care to patients (Teisberg et al., 2020). These processes include patient intake, diagnosis, treatment, discharge, and follow-up. Everything that happens from the moment the patient presents to the conclusion of the follow-up counts as part of this process. The first stage of the process, therefore, is where patients are registered, their medical histories are taken, and initial assessments are made. Based on the initial assessment, further tests might be conducted, a diagnosis made, and subsequent treatment plan developed and implemented. Once treatment is complete, patients are discharged with instructions for home care, prescriptions for medications may be given, and...

…change or be caught in a perpetual state of overhaul so that healthcare organizations are constantly in a state of reaction to whatever new update or change in a policy has been made. This can draw on healthcare organizations resources and lead to serious capital crunches, which is one reason so much consolidation has occurred in the healthcare space in recent years: it is simply impossible for many smaller organizations to exist in the face of so much regulatory change and pressure as they do not have the resources to keep up.

Health care policies are shaped by various factors, such as societal values, economic conditions, political will, grassroots campaigns, and technological advancements. For example, a society that values equitable access might implement policies that provide health care coverage for all its citizens, regardless of income. This has certainly been the case in some Asian countries and European countries. In the US, there is still a great deal of debate about the merits of such a system. The fact is that policy in the US is almost always divisive and controversial because American culture itself is so polarized today. This makes delivering quality care especially challenging today.

Conclusion

Overall, the healthcare sector is full of change and is constantly adapting to new regulations, new tech updates, and new social concerns. Two decades ago, there was virtually no debate about the ethics of sex-change surgery or minors, and now today it appears to be a pressing issue. This is just one example of how challenging healthcare can be. But with the right structure and processes in place, healthcare organizations should be able to respond and even influence…