The Role Of Managers And Technology

The role of managers and technology

You have been selected as the Team Lead for your department. Management has asked you for a report on the following topics. Research each topic and summarize in an executive summary. Cite your sources in an appendix on the last page of your document. Make sure that your research has information from at least 2 sources other than your textbook.

1. The role of managers and technology

2. Ways to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce costs through new technology

3. Deficiencies in clinical use of technology

4. Technology and medical errors

5. Concentration on profit margins

Your appendix should be APA formatted and your work should be free from grammatical errors.

Paper For Above instruction

As the appointed team leader, it is imperative to understand the evolving relationship between management and technology in healthcare. Managers play a critical role in integrating technology into clinical and administrative workflows to improve efficiency, enhance patient care, and manage resources effectively. The advent of digital health records, telemedicine, and health information systems has transformed healthcare delivery, requiring managers to adapt and oversee technological implementations. Their role encompasses evaluating emerging technologies, ensuring staff competence, and maintaining data security, thereby aligning technological advancements with organizational goals (Bohn, 2020; Poon et al., 2021).

One significant avenue to elevate healthcare outcomes and reduce costs is through adopting innovative technology. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) streamline documentation, facilitate information sharing, and support clinical decision-making. Telehealth expands access, especially in rural areas, reducing unnecessary hospital visits. Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) assist in early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and resource management, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and cost efficiencies (Davis et al., 2020; Chen & Zhang, 2019). These technologies allow healthcare providers to deliver more precise, timely care while controlling expenditures.

Despite these benefits, there are deficiencies in the clinical use of technology. Challenges include inadequate staff training, resistance to change, and inconsistent technology adoption practices. Many healthcare professionals lack sufficient familiarity with new systems, leading to errors or underutilization. Additionally, interoperability issues hinder seamless data exchange, reducing the effectiveness of technological tools. This gap between technology capability and clinical practice can compromise patient safety and inhibit potential improvements (Vest et al., 2019; Li & Zeng, 2022).

Technology is a double-edged sword, as it can both mitigate and contribute to medical errors. Properly implemented systems like Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) and decision support tools significantly reduce medication errors and diagnostic mistakes. Conversely, poorly designed interfaces, workflow disruptions, and system outages can introduce new error types. Overreliance on automation may diminish clinical judgment, leading to complacency and overlooked nuances in patient care. Thus, balancing technological benefits with vigilant oversight is essential to minimize mishaps (Koppel et al., 2020; Carayon et al., 2021).

Profit margins increasingly influence healthcare technology strategies, often prioritizing cost containment and revenue generation. While investments in innovative tech can be expensive initially, they promise long-term savings through improved efficiency and patient throughput. However, the focus on profit may lead to compromises, such as selecting less expensive but suboptimal systems or delaying necessary upgrades. Transparent evaluation of return on investment and aligning financial incentives with quality care are vital for sustainable growth (Hackbarth & Dyrda, 2019; McAlearney et al., 2021).

References

  • Bohn, R. E. (2020). Managing health information systems: Theory and practice. Health Management Technology.
  • Chen, L., & Zhang, X. (2019). Artificial intelligence in healthcare: Past, present, and future. Journal of Medical Systems, 43(9), 309.
  • Davis, M. M., et al. (2020). Telemedicine and health care delivery: Opportunities and barriers. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 26(11), 1319-1327.
  • Koppel, R., et al. (2020). Workarounds to barcode medication administration—a barrier to patient safety? Journal of Patient Safety, 16(4), e245–e253.
  • Li, J., & Zeng, Q. (2022). Interoperability challenges in healthcare information technology. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 165, 104807.
  • Poon, E. G., et al. (2021). Managing change in healthcare technology: Strategies for success. Journal of Healthcare Management, 66(2), 120-132.
  • Vest, J. R., et al. (2019). Challenges in health information technology adoption: A comprehensive review. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 26(3), 218-227.
  • Hackbarth, D., & Dyrda, M. (2019). The financial implications of health IT investments. Healthcare Financial Management, 73(5), 42-48.
  • McAlearney, A. S., et al. (2021). Aligning incentives for sustainable health IT adoption. Journal of Healthcare Strategy, 36(2), 16-23.

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