Essay Sample on Organizational Systems and Structures Evaluation

Introduction

How an organization is set up, and the system that illustrates how its activities are directed towards the maximization of goals are essential factors in the evaluation of the quality provided by the organization. Healthcare agencies seek to achieve quality in organizational systems and structures by adopting cultures of safety whereby the workforce and healthcare processes target at improving the safety and reliability of care provided to the patients. An assessment of the systems and structures at work in a healthcare organization calls for an analysis of the organizational frameworks in place and factors for improving performance. The purpose of this paper is to provide a description of Memorial Medical Center and a review of its mission, vision, and values, strategic goals, plans, and objectives, critical operational processes and patterns, use of information technology, priorities and investment decisions, culture, and how the culture influences the achievement of organizational goals.

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Mission, Vision, and Values

The mission, vision, and value of an organization are essential aspects of strategic planning. These aspects bind the stakeholders in any organization including the volunteers, staff members, the board of directors, and other stakeholders. The vision refers to what an organization seeks to accomplish and acts as a source of inspiration and motivation to the organizational team (Deazeley, 2009). The vision can constitute one or two main goals which include a statement of how the activities of the organization could make things different and a statement of how the organization wants to be perceived by others. The vision for Memorial Medical Center is to be a national leader in terms of excellent delivery of patient care (Memorial Medical Center). This vision represents a hard-to-reach ideal that inspires the healthcare team to work harder to achieve the best results in future

The mission of an organization is a description of the activities of the organization that move it closer to achieving its vision. According to Deazeley, (2009), the vision represents the ideal while the mission provides the practical aspect of the action. The mission for Memorial Medical Center is rooted in the improvement of the health of the communities and people the organization serves (Memorial Medical Center). This mission is compatible with the not-for-profit status of the organization and identifies the significant stakeholders as the people and the communities who are recipients of care.

Organizational values are the rules, guidelines, or beliefs that influence the reputation of the organization, activities of each stakeholder, and the relationship between them. The statement of values is particularly important on the onset of conflicting or tough decisions such as collaboration with other organizations with different values and allocation of resources (Deazeley, 2009). Memorial Medical Center upholds the values of respect for individuals, excellence in performance, service to humanity, equal access, community responsibility, integrity in relationships, and value of employees.

Strategic Plans, Goals, and Objectives

Strategic planning acts as a guideline for healthcare organizations to make day to day decisions that assist in maximizing the available options, enhancing a sense of direction, and enhancing the realization of the organization's vision. Given the dramatic changes prevalent in healthcare in terms of technology, reimbursement, and general marketplace variations, it is necessary for healthcare organizations to utilize strategic planning to avoid crisis management (American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2009). Strategic planning encompasses short and long term goals and objectives. In this regard, success comes from the identification of overarching objectives and goals and establishment of direction. Furthermore, the primary stakeholders should meet regularly and revisit the significant goals and objectives as a way of defining the course of the organization. The goals and objectives of Memorial Medical Center tie to the mission and vision of the organization. The primary goal in the organization's practice of care is to support healing and create a positive environment for the staff and patients. In addition, the organization engages in healthcare research to identify better methods of care provision and patient support. Other objectives include enhanced privacy, provision of accommodation and support for the families and guests, provision of a relaxed environment and enhancement of safety (Memorial Medical Center). In this regard, the strategic plan of the hospital is designed to enhance these strategic goals and objectives.

Key Operational Processes and Patterns

The operational patterns and processes of healthcare organizations mostly focus on the ability of health services to produce desirable health outcomes. An important aspect of operational patterns is organizational design. Organizational designs and structures in healthcare institutions should respond to patient needs and focus on quality improvement (Glickman et al. 2007). Memorial Medical Center provides patients with properly designed patient rooms with all the required equipment to ensure comfort and improve the quality of care provided. The organization's key operational processes target the provision of quality care and reduction of suffering among communities and individuals. The hospital thus provides employees with efficient work areas and standardized facility layouts (Memorial Medical Center). Additionally, there are private rooms that increase the privacy, safety, and relaxation of the patients.

Information Technology Use

The use of information technology in medicine has a significant impact on organizational performance and patient experience. According to Werder, (2015), the use of technology tools increases safety, communication, and quality in care provision. There have been numerous technological transformations in the healthcare sector in areas such as payment, reimbursement, and primary care delivery among others. In all these fields, technology is an enabler. As such, the ability of an organization to adopt health information technology (HIT) tools is an essential determinant of success (Werder, 2015). MMC has greatly evolved in terms of technological advancement and currently offers many services using technological tools (Memorial Medical Center). The organization is also keen on innovation and hence runs the Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation (MCLI) to train staff on the use of significant technology tools. This facility has revolutionized training as it focuses on equipping the workforce with the best possible mode of training (Memorial Medical Center). MMC uses the MCLI facility to increase its pace in the use of HIT and thus improving the quality of care provided.

Organizational Priorities and Investment

MMC's annual report for 2018, shows that the organization prioritizes investments in structures and buildings which shows concerted effort to improve the quality of services available to the community. In 2018, the organization flagged off a construction project that will be completed in two phases (Memorial Health Systems, 2018). With the completion of the project, MMC seeks to provide home-like gyms, centralized outpatient services, underwater treadmill therapy, and a rehab garden. Also, throughout the year, the organization conducted renovations and upgraded most of the care areas. Additionally, the staff increased awareness of substance abuse prevention among students. Therefore, it is clear that the organization's priorities and investment decisions are more anchored towards improved patient experiences and community involvement.

Organizational Culture

The culture of an organization is a powerful tool that controls the entire organization and determines the organization's ability to implement strategies and improve in quality. Organizational culture comprises of the beliefs, assumptions, and fundamental values shared among the members. Culture enables the organization to hold together and can be seen as the "glue" that sticks different parts of the organization together and allows the organization to adapt to changes (Glickman et al. 2007). Furthermore, culture has a direct impact on the nature and pattern of leadership among employees. The culture at Memorial Medical Center promotes employee development as the leaders are entirely involved in the activities of the workforce. Furthermore, employee reviews indicate that MMC offers a good working environment that enhances personal and professional development (Memorial Medical Center). However, there are complains of understaffing, whereby the nurse-patient ratio is low.

Influence of Culture on Meeting Organizational Goals

Different aspects of corporate culture in the healthcare sector have a direct impact on quality, performance, information sharing, and achievement of goals. Significant characteristics of culture in health care organizations should enhance accountability and aid in quality improvement, optimize communication, and enhance synergy among different care departments. The corporate culture at MMC is the main reason for the progress the organization has made in improving care delivery.

References

American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2009). Strategic planning: Why it makes a difference, and how to do it. Journal of Oncology Practice, 5(3), 139-143.

Deazeley, B. (2009). The importance of vision, mission, and values. Imagine Canada.

Glickman, S. W., Baggett, K. A., Krubert, C. G., Peterson, E. D., & Schulman, K. A. (2007). Promoting quality: the health-care organization from a management perspective. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 19(6), 341-348.

Memorial Health Systems. (2018). Annual Report 2018. Retrieved from https://www.memorialmedical.com/Portals/0/Master-Documents/About/MHS-Annual-Report/Memorial-Health-System-2018-Annual-Report.pdf

Memorial Medical Center. (n.d.). Mission, Vision, and Values. Retrieved from https://www.memorialmedical.com/about/mission-vision-and-values

Werder, M. (2015). Health information technology: A key ingredient of the patient experience. Patient Experience Journal, 2(1), 143-147.