The role of risk management in healthcare is more important now than ever. As health risks to the health industry proliferate both in magnitude and cost, risk management and other risk managers must be on the front lines of the business. If not, health organizations cannot thrive, or if not, could even fail. A key element in the organization's ability to manage its risk portfolio is the development of a solid risk governance framework. This framework must address both the risk profile and the specific needs of the organization.
Healthcare risk management systems require continuous and timely updating of information relevant to patient care, check this service. In such a dynamic field as the health industry, organizational dysfunction can have disastrous consequences for patients and providers alike. Health care organizations that do not continuously update and enhance their systems will find themselves unable to respond should a new, or perhaps different medical issue arise. Organizations with weak patient safety or quality control processes are especially at risk. As a result, organizations that make use of modern technology, such as electronic health records (EHR), or risk management technology, such as computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and digital imaging systems, face tremendous competitive pressure from physicians' offices that use older technology and incur significant additional expenses.
The regulatory environment, driven by HIPAA and other regulations, has further pressured healthcare organizations to maintain robust risk management systems. Many hospitals and other healthcare facilities are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to comply with government-mandated patient safety benchmarks. While adherence to standards, such as those set forth by the American Society for Health Care Safety and Security (ASHS), has been a standard for decades, many hospitals and other institutions are finding it difficult to stay compliant. In many cases, health care companies are required to demonstrate compliance every three years to maintain certification. Organizations that are continually evaluated may find that their budgets are insufficient to keep pace with the increasing regulatory burden. Consequently, profits are threatened, operations are disrupted, and patient safety is at risk.
Another important area that has been examined recently is the role of technology in the overall wellness and safety efforts of hospitals and other healthcare institutions. The growing tendency of patients to self-refer to family doctors or specialists for routine care has led to a parallel increase in the number of patients who seek care in hospitals through specialty departments. Many doctors believe this trend will continue, as specialists offer specialized, evidence-based care that most patients will not receive at a family Doctors want patients to be treated as soon as possible and specialists to help them do so. But what does it mean for healthcare workers? Should they be happy to accept whatever technology their departments can acquire to achieve their goal?
One answer might be a cautious optimism that all risk managers should embrace: It takes a mixed bag of skills and knowledge to effectively work as a risk manager in any organization. Professionals must know how to analyze data, both external and internal, to identify sources of threats and to manage them. They must also understand how to apply statistical and technical analysis to reduce the risks that are already known and evaluate the potential for new threats. They must be able to judge the value of various risk solutions that are currently available and determine how to make best use of them. Lastly, risk managers must have good interpersonal skills to deal with difficult, confusing, and sometimes unpleasant customers, click riskonnect.com/enterprise-risk-management/expanded-role-risk-management-healthcare. In a highly complex world, it takes an enterprising person with effective negotiation and communication skills to get the job done.
If health care organizations want to play it safe, they need to keep abreast of the latest advances in the technology that is constantly changing the face of health care. They need to learn from the successes and failures of others and learn from their mistakes. Health care risk managers must also recognize the need for continual education in the field of health care and the changing face of technology. Managing health risk can be rewarding if you can develop a winning team to do the job for you. Just remember, this is not an easy job and requires a lot of knowledge, skill, and patience. Learn more from https://www.britannica.com/topic/risk-management.
