option #2: Strategic Human Resource Management

Woodrow Rowell

11/24/19

The healthcare industry and technology are interrelated. Behavioural health is mainly attributed to the type of information a patient has access to. Technology thus plays a big role in giving the correct amount of information (Cypriano, 2011). Through it, the society is able to access information influencing their thought on public health care. In turn this adds on to the way the public and health professionals search for information related to health matters. This shapes the way decisions related to health are made and how they respond to this. Thus the main goal of technology in health care is to help improve the quality of health care and outcomes in health related matters.

In order to improve the quality of life have been major technological advancements. The advancements have had a lot of impact in nearly all fields related to health care. This are mainly by updating the way health records are handled by digitizing them and use of big storage data and cloud computing. Digital health records have replaced the previously used paper records that had their own bit of challenges. In the world of medicine this is a bold move and a major boost. Through the help of coding professionals health professionals have been able to manage tasks and roles more effectively. Implementation of the roles are tasked to nurses and at times technicians.

Nurses are mandated with the task of collecting data and manually uploading it on a digitized central system void of any errors. As soon as the data is uploaded patient records are updated by the medical billers with a unique code of diagnostics. In turn the billings are submitted to insurance companies for medical claims. Patients are therefore able to access their health records easily and are able to spot an error in their records early enough in their treatment. There are benefits attributed to the digital health records just to mention a few.

Data collected is easy to feed into a computer as compared to the paper based methods, thus saves on time. Both nurses and patients are able to spot an error early enough regarding data on the patients diagnostics, financial records or treatment. Productivity is increased the nurses and medical coders can work from anywhere as there is digital access to the medical records. While billing and coding there is ease in the amount to be handled as they are can handle many records at a go. From the collected data it is easier to conduct research and come up with solutions for the various health related problems. Medical researchers can therefore improve on the available knowledge in medicine.

Digital platforms go along way into reducing the cost of health care. For instance using less paper means less space is used for collecting data in files, arranging in an orderly manner and using up space to secure the records for patient confidentiality. Further the amount of time taken to collect this data and put it down on paper and retrieval is cut down. However the platform has its own disadvantage to it. As health centres shift from the manual way of collecting data to a more digital way a problem could arise in the inter connectivity. The established system may be unable to communicate clearly. The connected devices may not be able to rely information to each other thus jeopardizing the health of the patient.

Another key impact technology has had on health care is in the use of cloud and data storage to store and retrieve records. Through the use of cloud it is easy to use the data collected for analytics. As a result there is improved health care, quality of life, major research in treatments and new types of drugs. Due to the complex nature of medical cases a lot of data is collected in a day. Data that will require storage facilities that can be expanded on demand and easily affordable. Thus health care institutions have turned to cloud.

By using cloud it is possible to store large amounts of data as it mostly utilises software and hardware from the internet. Cloud has major advantage over the traditional methods of storing medical data. Security and storage of the data is effective and low cost. A lot of information can be collected and stored without the worry of adding more servers, storage being limited or added extra cost in the process. High reliance on cloud comes extra security, a recovery and backup service to avoid any loss of critical data. The tool has become essential in sharing of information. In recent years other than just sharing information it has become an effective tool of operation in managing a big work force and in research and study. All this giving medicine a better future.

Just like a majority of technological trends in medicine there are challenges. Hackers have become a major threat. Identity theft is serious as it leaves patients vulnerable to attackers. Information shared with the hospital may include sensitive details like, contacts and home addresses that an attacker could use to cause bodily harm. In such an event of hacking and patient confidential information is leaked the patients plus the general public may lose faith in a health institution. Further the medical facility may face lengthy and costly court processes if it emerges the patient information was not properly secured. Leaking of this information is a danger to all stakeholders as the information may be used to make fake ids that can be used in illegal purchases like drugs putting the individual into further danger. Storage of data in a central point risks the data being breached thus cloud becomes a disadvantage.

Strategies put in place.

· Availability of resources.

Coming up with resources to be used by the health care practitioners is essential. A lot of support is needed especially form leaders in the senior positions in the medical faculty.

If the implementation process is to be successful, there has to be an availability of the data required, equipment and much needed time to work with. This will enable the medical team focus on getting solutions to the already addressed challenges using the readily available resources in this case technology.

· Utilize the already collected data to measure the progress.

Data acquired is key to the organizations success. Using the available technology it is possible to track a patient’s progress, identify a problem and a possible solution in time contributing to improved health care. Tools such as analytics will help identify the key arrears that need to be improved on. For example in terms of finances or infrastructure.

· Coming up with the right people for job.

Engaging people from all levels is key in the decision making process as different perspectives will lead to an informed decision. For a more productive outcome it is important to engage the leadership, management and staff.

· All staff should be engaged in the implementation process.

Conversation should be established to ensure all stakeholders are aware of what the project entails. In case of misunderstandings, the initial goal and benefits of the project should be highlighted to keep the team in check and focused. Thus they will be more motivated to take on the projects.

· Implementation.

After discussing the already discussed steps it is important to still continue the communication on the project. This enables the team to bring out concerns and share ideas that are essential in the integration of technology.

Create an evaluation process for reviewing the effectiveness of the implementation .

· Share with others on the progress.

Information gathered is collected and targeted for specific groups of people. In order to be accountable therefore it is important to file reports to the involved parties. This shows a clear purpose for doing things.

· Bring all involved parties together.

All involved parties must be present for the reviewing process to be successful. Making it an open and engaging process makes data collected credible. Realising opportunities for all makes all the stakeholders willingly support and want to be part of the process.

· Tracking of the progress.

Tracking progress allows for adjustments in the implementation process. Regular intervals are highly recommended in order to make progress and identify the most suitable method of data collection.

· Regularly looking at the planning process.

By keeping track of planning process it is easier to make changes that can be used in implementing and improving the project. It is critical as it seeks to respond to issues that are specific to the project.

· Evaluation.

The success of an initiative is determined by how all parties involved are affected by the outcomes of the policy whether intended or unintended. Asking the correct questions is key in collecting the accurate amount of data.

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