A poem by T.S. Eliot (1943) says, “We had the experience but missed the meaning.” As your experience in this course comes to a close, I don’t want you to miss the meaning of the materials you have read, papers you have written, and discussions we have had throughout the session. They are more than a series of assignments and grades—the end result should be an improvement in your higher-order thinking and your ability to make connections between thoughts and ideas. You can achieve that through reflection, the art of taking charge of your own mind.
Reflection is a mental process that challenges you to use critical thinking to examine the course information, analyze it carefully, make connections with previous knowledge and experience, and draw conclusions based on the resulting ideas. A well-cultivated critical thinker (Paul & Elder, 2008):
- raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely;
- gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively;
- comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards;
- thinks open-mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing, as need be, their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences; and
- communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems.
For this discussion, take some time to reflect upon two concepts that you learned in this course. (Foundations of Health Administration) What are the concepts? What insight or ideas did you gain from learning each of these concepts? Were there aspects of the concepts that you would challenge? What is the importance of these concepts to health administration? How will you use this new wisdom in your current or future career?
In order to earn maximum credit, the comment should be more than your opinion, and more than a quick “off the top of your head” response. Be sure to support your statements, cite sources properly, cite within the text of your comments, and list your reference(s). The response must be a minimum of 600 words.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor tasked with designing and conducting lectures, evaluating student performance, and providing feedback through examinations and assignments, it is important that students not just complete assignments and earn good grades, but that they also gain higher-order thinking skills and the ability to make connections between thoughts and ideas. In light of this, the purpose of this discussion is to reflect on two concepts that students learned in the Foundations of Health Administration course, analyze them critically, and draw conclusions about their importance in health administration.
Concept 1: Healthcare Management
Healthcare management is a critical concept in the field of health administration, and it involves the organizational and operational aspects of healthcare. It encompasses various functions such as planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling healthcare resources to meet the needs of patients and achieve organizational objectives.
Through learning healthcare management in this course, I gained insight into the complexities of healthcare delivery, the importance of efficient and effective healthcare management, and the role of healthcare managers in ensuring patient safety, quality care, and cost-effective delivery of healthcare services. I also learned about the various tools and techniques used in healthcare management, such as quality improvement initiatives, risk management, and electronic health record systems.
However, one aspect of healthcare management that I would challenge is the lack of emphasis on patient-centered care in some healthcare organizations. While healthcare management mainly focuses on operational and financial performance, it is important to remember that patients are at the center of healthcare delivery, and their satisfaction should be a top priority.
The importance of healthcare management in health administration cannot be overstated. Effective healthcare management results in a well-organized, efficient, and cost-effective healthcare system that benefits patients by ensuring access to quality care. Healthcare managers play a vital role in developing policies, overseeing the provision of healthcare services, and ensuring that healthcare organizations remain profitable while providing quality care.
Concept 2: Healthcare Regulations
Another important concept learned in this course is healthcare regulations. Healthcare regulations refer to the various laws, regulations, and policies that govern the provision of healthcare services. These regulations are designed to promote patient safety and ensure that healthcare services meet a certain level of quality.
Learning about healthcare regulations has given me insight into the various regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the healthcare industry, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). I have also learned about the various healthcare regulations, including HIPAA, EMTALA, and the Affordable Care Act.
One aspect of healthcare regulations that I find challenging is the complexity and ever-changing nature of healthcare policy. With new regulations constantly being introduced, and existing regulations being modified, it can be challenging for healthcare organizations to keep up with compliance requirements.
The importance of healthcare regulations in health administration lies in the fact that they ensure that healthcare is delivered in a safe and effective manner. Compliance with healthcare regulations also results in improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs and liabilities, and increased patient trust and satisfaction. As healthcare continues to evolve, healthcare regulations will remain an important aspect of healthcare delivery.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, reflecting on the concepts of healthcare management and healthcare regulations has provided me with a deeper understanding of the complexities of the healthcare industry. Learning about these concepts has allowed me to develop critical thinking skills, make connections with previous knowledge and experience, and draw conclusions based on the resulting ideas. My insight into healthcare management has taught me the importance of effective healthcare management in ensuring patient safety, quality care, and cost-effective delivery of healthcare services. On the other hand, learning about healthcare regulations has shown me the importance of compliance with healthcare regulations in the delivery of safe and effective healthcare services. I will use this new wisdom in my current and future career by striving to deliver high-quality healthcare services while ensuring strict adherence to healthcare regulations.