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 paper should meet the following requirements: Be three pages in length, not including the cover or reference pages. Be formatted according to APA Requirements. Support your analysis by referencing and citing at least three credible sources other than the course textbooks, readings, or lecture. . Use headings to organize your work.
Introduction
Healthcare organizations have a responsibility to be good stewards of resources, including financial, environmental, and human resources. However, healthcare administrators may not always connect their daily activities to this responsibility. This paper will focus on a hospital as a specific type of healthcare organization and generate a list of a healthcare administrator’s daily activities that could be considered part of this obligation. The paper will also provide examples and discuss ways to improve administrators’ level of social responsibility in their daily operations while considering real or potential ethical issues that may impact some of these daily activities.
Daily Activities of Healthcare Administrators in Hospitals
Budgeting and Financial Management: Healthcare administrators are responsible for managing the hospital’s finances, including developing budgets, monitoring expenses, and allocating resources. As part of their fiscal responsibility, healthcare administrators should ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively to provide quality patient care. For example, they can negotiate with suppliers to reduce the cost of medical supplies and equipment, implement cost-saving measures, and identify ways to reduce waste.
Human Resource Management: Healthcare administrators are responsible for managing the hospital’s workforce, including recruitment, retention, and training. As part of their ethical responsibility, healthcare administrators should ensure that employees are treated fairly and that their rights are respected. For example, they can develop policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, provide training on cultural competence, and implement a whistleblower policy to encourage employees to report unethical behavior.
Patient Safety: Healthcare administrators are responsible for ensuring patient safety, including developing and implementing policies and procedures to prevent medical errors, infections, and other adverse events. As part of their ethical responsibility, healthcare administrators should prioritize patient safety over financial gain. For example, they can invest in technology and equipment that improve patient safety, provide training on patient safety, and encourage a culture of transparency and accountability.
Environmental Sustainability: Healthcare administrators are responsible for minimizing the hospital’s impact on the environment, including reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting sustainable practices. As part of their ethical responsibility, healthcare administrators should strive to minimize the hospital’s carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability. For example, they can implement a recycling program, reduce energy consumption by using energy-efficient equipment, and use environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Improving Healthcare Administrators’ Level of Social Responsibility
Healthcare administrators can improve their level of social responsibility in their daily operations by:
Developing and Implementing Ethical Codes: Healthcare administrators can develop and implement ethical codes that guide their daily activities and promote ethical behavior. These codes can outline the hospital’s values, principles, and standards of conduct and provide guidance on ethical decision-making.
Promoting Stakeholder Engagement: Healthcare administrators can promote stakeholder engagement by involving patients, employees, and the community in decision-making processes. This can increase transparency, accountability, and trust in the hospital’s operations and promote social responsibility.
Providing Ethical Training: Healthcare administrators can provide ethical training to employees to promote ethical behavior and decision-making. This training can include topics such as cultural competence, patient safety, and environmental sustainability.
Monitoring and Reporting Ethical Behavior: Healthcare administrators can monitor and report ethical behavior to promote accountability and transparency. This can include conducting audits, implementing a whistleblower policy, and reporting on social responsibility activities in annual reports.
Ethical Issues in Healthcare Administrators’ Daily Activities
Healthcare administrators may face ethical issues in their daily activities, such as:
Balancing Financial and Ethical Considerations: Healthcare administrators may face conflicts between financial considerations and ethical obligations. For example, they may need to make decisions that reduce costs but compromise patient safety.
Respecting Employee Rights: Healthcare administrators may face ethical issues related to employee rights, such as fair pay, non-discrimination, and privacy. They need to ensure that employees are treated fairly
