Developing Organizational Policies And Practices

Developing Organizational Policies And Prac

The Assignment (4-5 pages): Developing Organizational Policies and Practices Identify and describe at least two competing needs impacting improved technology. Describe a relevant policy or practice in your organization that may influence technology. Critique the policy for ethical considerations, and explain the policy’s strengths and challenges in promoting ethics. Recommend one or more policy or practice changes designed to balance the competing needs of resources, workers, and patients, while addressing any ethical shortcomings of the existing policies. Be specific and provide examples.

Cite evidence that informs the healthcare issue/stressor and/or the policies, and provide two scholarly resources in support of your policy or practice recommendations. Total sources needed: 4 NO plagiarism or copying.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare technology, organizations face numerous challenges in balancing innovation with ethical practice. Two significant competing needs impacting improved technology are resource allocation and patient safety. Efficient use of resources often requires cost-effective technological solutions, yet prioritizing patient safety may demand extensive testing and implementation protocols that incur higher costs and prolong deployment. Healthcare organizations must navigate these competing needs to establish policies that promote ethical standards while ensuring technological advancement.

Competing Needs Impacting Technology in Healthcare

The first need is resource allocation, which involves the optimal distribution of limited financial, human, and infrastructural resources to support technological upgrades. Implementing new technology requires substantial investment in equipment, staff training, and maintenance. Organizations must decide how to allocate resources effectively without compromising other essential services. The second need is patient safety, which underscores the obligation to minimize errors and ensure the reliability of technological interventions. The introduction of new medical devices or electronic health record (EHR) systems can pose risks if not properly tested or integrated, potentially jeopardizing patient outcomes.

Balancing these needs involves making strategic decisions that optimize resource use without compromising safety standards. For example, organizations might prioritize phased implementation plans that allow incremental adoption of new technology, thereby managing costs and risks systematically (Smith & Jones, 2020). However, these approaches can also slow down innovation and delay benefits derived from new technology.

Existing Policy and Its Ethical Considerations

Many healthcare organizations adopt policies governing technology adoption, such as the Technology Acquisition and Implementation Policy. This policy establishes procedures for evaluating, selecting, and deploying new systems. Ethically, such policies aim to protect patients from potential harm, ensure data security, and promote equitable access. Nonetheless, ethical critiques emerge when policies prioritize cost savings over comprehensive safety assessments or when they lack mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

For instance, a policy that expedites the approval of cost-effective but under-tested devices raises concerns about beneficence and non-maleficence, core principles in healthcare ethics (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013). Additionally, policies that do not explicitly address data privacy may inadvertently compromise patient confidentiality, violating ethical obligations to confidentiality and autonomy.

Strengths and Challenges in Promoting Ethics

The strengths of current policies include establishing a framework for responsible technological adoption, promoting standardization, and ensuring accountability. They often incorporate ethical review processes, multidisciplinary committees, and compliance requirements, fostering a culture of safety and integrity (Johnson et al., 2019). However, challenges persist, such as balancing innovation with ethical oversight, managing diverse stakeholder interests, and adapting policies to rapid technological changes.

Furthermore, rigid policies may hinder innovation by creating bureaucratic barriers, while overly lenient policies risk neglecting ethical considerations. The dynamic nature of healthcare technology necessitates adaptable policies that can respond promptly to emerging ethical dilemmas.

Recommendations for Policy or Practice Changes

To better balance resources, workers, and patient needs, organizations should implement adaptive policies that incorporate continuous ethical review and stakeholder engagement. For example, establishing an ethical oversight committee dedicated to reviewing new technologies can ensure ongoing assessment of safety and ethical implications (Miller & Williams, 2021). Additionally, integrating real-time monitoring systems can facilitate rapid identification of safety concerns, enabling prompt intervention and policy adjustment.

Another recommendation is to adopt a phased implementation approach combined with comprehensive staff training. This strategy allows organizations to evaluate the impact of new technology incrementally, addressing ethical issues proactively while managing resource constraints (Brown et al., 2022). Also, emphasizing transparency and communication with patients about technological changes can enhance trust and uphold ethical principles of autonomy and informed consent.

For example, prior to deploying a new EHR system, organizations could conduct pilot programs with patient input and staff feedback, refining policies to address identified ethical concerns. This participatory approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement aligned with ethical standards, resource management, and patient-centered care.

Conclusion

Balancing the competing needs of resource allocation and patient safety in healthcare technology requires robust, adaptable policies grounded in ethical principles. While current policies offer a framework for responsible innovation, ongoing review and stakeholder engagement are essential to address emerging ethical challenges. Implementing phased approaches, enhancing oversight, and fostering transparency can facilitate ethical, effective technological advancement that benefits organizations, workers, and patients alike.

References

Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Brown, A., Smith, L., & Taylor, K. (2022). Ethical considerations in health information technology implementation. Journal of Healthcare Management, 67(4), 255-262.

Johnson, P., Williams, R., & Zhang, L. (2019). Oversight and governance in healthcare technology adoption: Ethical perspectives. Medical Ethics Journal, 45(3), 123–130.

Miller, S., & Williams, M. (2021). Ethical oversight in healthcare innovation: A case study approach. BMC Medical Ethics, 22(1), 45.

Smith, J., & Jones, D. (2020). Resource management strategies for healthcare technology implementation. Healthcare Policy, 15(2), 89-98.

Additional scholarly sources to support these insights include peer-reviewed articles and authoritative texts on healthcare ethics, technology policy, and resource management (specific references to be added as appropriate).