RESEARCH PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS
The learning theories upon which this course is based are actualized in the Research Project. You will begin the paper by selecting one key term to research. You may select any key term from Chapters 2-13. The key terms are found at the end of each chapter. You will be required to write a paper of at least 1,000 words, but not to exceed 1,250 words, to fully explore the topic. Your project must demonstrate course-related knowledge with supporting documentation from two peer-reviewed articles, the textbook, and the Bible.
The use of proper, current APA format is required. A title page and reference page(s) must be included. The word count does not include the title or reference page(s). Submit the project as a Microsoft Word document.
Grading
Consult the accompanying rubric for how your instructor will grade this assignment. Also, any form of plagiarism, including cutting and pasting, will result in zero points for the entire assignment. All quoted materials must be properly cited in current APA format.
The Research Project is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 7.
Decision Making for Healthcare Managers
Student Name
University
Course
Professor Name
Date
Decision Making for Healthcare Managers
Decision making in healthcare refers to the process where several solutions to a clinical issue are examined and one alternative is selected based on the information gathered about the solutions. Healthcare managers engage in decision making in their daily practice as they engage in their other roles including controlling, staffing, planning, and supervision roles. Management decisions help to clarify specific tasks hence the management process is critical (Ilgunas et al., 2021). Currently, there is an increase in demand for healthcare services and healthcare systems have limited financial and human resources to meet this demand. Furthermore, healthcare costs are still high and socio-demographic changes have led to a shift in the types of services demanded. The healthcare system has also undergone significant changes in the legal environment with the introduction of numerous regulations that directly impact the functioning of these organizations. Healthcare administrators must, therefore, engage in effective decision-making to promote the smooth running of healthcare organizations and to ensure that patients receive quality care (Lankarani et al., 2016). The purpose of this research paper is to discuss the concept of decision making for healthcare managers.
Evidence-based decision making
Evidence-based decision making is a process where healthcare managers make decisions after considering the best evidence available in a situation. The use of evidence is critical since it improves decision-making competence and motivates healthcare managers to focus on scientific methods when assessing alternatives. The main sources of information used when making decisions include the manager’s judgment and expertise, assessment of available evidence from research articles, and deriving information from organizational stakeholders influenced by decisions including both the clinical staff and patients. Managers can use questionnaires or interviews to gather information from the staff or patients before making decisions. For instance, when managers realize that employee motivation is low, they can seek more information by interviewing the staff and use the information gained to determine which strategies would improve motivation levels. Hospitals also provide critical information that can be used in decision-making. The hospital information system, for instance, provides critical information regarding patients and clinical staff that can be used when making decisions regarding issues such as staffing and budgeting decisions. The expectations and values of both internal and external stakeholders must also be considered when making decisions (Janati et al., 2017).
Several research studies have examined the importance of using evidence when making management decisions. Van de Riet et al. (2019), in a study about leadership in healthcare organizations, assessed the characteristics of an effective manager by interviewing both clinical managers and staff. The study determined that managers must possess effective decision-making skills. Managers must involve other clinical staff in decision-making by creating a culture that supports collaboration and effective communication. Moreover, all decisions made must be communicated transparently to all the staff including the reasons for the decisions and their usefulness to the organization. Hejazi et al. (2016) examined the importance of using health information systems to make critical management decisions. The study explained the importance of aligning health information systems to the goals and objectives of the organization to enhance their significance in the decision-making process. The information in the systems must also remain up-to-date to ensure that it is relevant for decision-making.
Bulger and Kleckner (2017) described the decision-making process in healthcare using evidence-based methods. The first step in the process is to come up with a clinical question, search and appraise significant information associated with the clinical question, and synthesizing evidence. The second step is to formalize the knowledge by using evidence to come up with recommendations. It is also important to review the perspectives of stakeholders regarding the recommendations and to use their feedback to select the best alternative. This phase also involves the use of support tools. Once the decision is made, healthcare managers implement them and monitor performance to determine whether the decision led to the desired impact.
Decision-making analysis for healthcare managers
Lee (2019) described the methods for economic analysis that healthcare managers can use to support decision-making. These methods include cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), cost-minimization analysis (CMA), cost-utility analysis (CUA), and cost-benefit analysis (CBA). Economic analysis is important because it helps healthcare managers to make decisions that utilize available resources effectively for maximum benefit. Before using the analysis methods, it is important to identify the resources required to implement various alternatives and the opportunity cost for these resources. CMA is a simple analysis method where the manager lists the expected cost for every alternative and determines which one has the lowest cost. However, in most cases, the cheapest option does not result in good outcomes hence it may not always be the best alternative. CEA incorporates measurement of the incremental cost incurred in improving outcomes and helps to determine the cost per unit of improvement for each alternative. CBA compares different alternatives to determine differences in costs and benefits. Using CBA helps managers to determine which alternative will result in the most benefits at reasonable costs. CUA conducts valuations of the health status of specific populations and uses the information to adjust health gains such that decisions are made based on the cost of every alternative per quality adjusted life years (QALY). The choice of economic analysis methods is based on the complexity of the decision at hand.
Conclusion
Effective decision-making is crucial in healthcare management since it facilitates better management of resources. Healthcare managers must engage in evidence-based decision making by synthesizing research knowledge, professional expertise, and stakeholder perspectives to determine the best alternatives to specific healthcare problems. Decision-making may be a challenging endeavor for healthcare managers. However, they need to rely on God to provide them with knowledge and wisdom that will facilitate better decision-making. Proverbs 21:1-5 states, “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understand; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001).
References
Bulger, J., & Kleckner, A. (2017). Implementing an Evidence-Based Decision-Making Process in a Healthcare System. Journal of Hospital Librarianship, 17(4), 332-338. https://doi.org/10.1080/15323269.2017.1366781
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/
Hejazi, S., Ghasemi, M., Hadian, M., & Mhammadnjad, R. (2016). Hospital Information System, a Tool for Effective Decision Making of Healthcare Managers. International Journal of Hospital Research, 5(3), 107-112. https://doi.org/10.15171/ijhr.2016.20
Ilgunas, A., Lovgren, A., Fjellman‐Wiklund, A., Haggman‐Henrikson, B., Karlsson Wirebring, L., & Lobbezoo, F. et al. (2021). Conceptualizing the clinical decision‐making process in managing temporomandibular disorders: A qualitative study. European Journal of Oral Sciences, e12811. https://doi.org/10.1111/eos.12811
Janati, A., Hasanpoor, E., Hajebrahimi, S., & Sadeghi-Bazargani, H. (2017). Health care managers’ perspectives on the sources of evidence in evidence-based hospital management: A qualitative study in Iran. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, 27(6), 659. https://doi.org/10.4314/ejhs.v27i6.11
Lankarani, K., Alinejad, Z., Mooghali, A., Joulaei, H., Akbari, M., & Heshmati, B. (2016). An Analytical Study of Health System Managers’ Decision-Making Models. Shiraz E-Medical Journal, 16(8). https://doi.org/10.17795/semj31330
Lee, R. H. (2019). Economics for healthcare managers (4th ed.). AUPHA. ISBN: 9781640550488.
Van de Riet, M., Berghout, M., Buljac-Samardzic, M., van Exel, J., & Hilders, C. (2019). What makes an ideal hospital-based medical leader? Three views of healthcare professionals and managers: A case study. PLOS ONE, 14(6), e0218095. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.021809
The use of proper, current APA format is required. A title page and reference page(s) must be included. The word count does not include the title or reference page(s). Submit the project as a Microsoft Word document.
Grading
Consult the accompanying rubric for how your instructor will grade this assignment. Also, any form of plagiarism, including cutting and pasting, will result in zero points for the entire assignment. All quoted materials must be properly cited in current APA format.
The Research Project is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 7.