Reflection Paper on

HEALTHCARE POLICIES AND ADMINISTRATION (BUAD 529)

By Ivy R. Pulido

2nd Sem SY2022-2023

The course Healthcare Policies and Administration is a necessity for everyone in hospital

management not only for graduate students. This is helpful for me personally as a member of the

Administrative Council and assigned in a challenging and significant role finance division. Healthcare

system and administration is never simple, from the strategic to operational plan, from the internal to

external communities, from the materials and manpower to the various services offered, its all part of a

multifaceted systems and policies.

One of my learnings in this course are the attributes of a hospital administrator. A hospital

administrator is expected to possess a range of attributes that contribute to their ability to effectively

manage a healthcare organization. Firstly, experience and post-graduate qualification in hospital

management provide the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the healthcare

industry. This includes understanding healthcare policies and regulations, financial management, human

resources, and quality improvement initiatives. Secondly, effective and efficient management skills are

crucial for a hospital administrator. This includes overseeing operations, allocating resources, and

coordinating various stakeholders to ensure smooth functioning of the hospital. Hospital administrators

need to effectively manage personnel, budgets, and processes to ensure efficient and high-quality

healthcare service delivery. Thirdly, a hospital administrator should be professional par excellence and

committed to their tasks. Professionalism includes being accountable, reliable, and maintaining

confidentiality in dealing with sensitive information. Hospital administrators should lead by example and

set the tone for a professional work culture within the organization.
 Moreover, the ability to provide direction to subordinates in achieving organizational goals is a

critical attribute of a hospital administrator. This involves setting clear expectations, delegating

responsibilities, and providing feedback and support to the team. A hospital administrator should be able

to inspire and motivate the team to work towards common goals. Mental robustness and tactfulness are

important qualities for a hospital administrator. The healthcare industry can be challenging and stressful,

and administrators need to handle difficult situations with resilience and diplomacy. They should be able

to make tough decisions, handle adverse criticism, and take appropriate measures to address issues

effectively. A hospital administrator should demonstrate a code of ethics within the organization. This

includes upholding principles of integrity, transparency, and professionalism. Ethical considerations

should guide decision-making, and administrators should prioritize the well-being and best interests of

patients and the organization.

Clear and realistic goal setting is another important attribute of a hospital administrator.

Administrators should have a vision for the hospital and set strategic goals that align with the

organization's mission and values. They should also be keen on their own professional growth and

development, staying updated with industry trends and best practices. A hospital administrator should

possess a combination of experience, qualifications, effective management skills, professionalism,

leadership abilities, mental robustness, ethical conduct, goal setting, and a commitment to professional

growth. These attributes are essential for successfully managing a healthcare organization and ensuring

the delivery of high-quality healthcare services.

Another point of learning in this course are the six core components known as health system

building blocks from World Health Organization (WHO). These building blocks provide a comprehensive

framework for understanding the different elements that contribute to the functioning and effectiveness

of a health system. First is leadership and governance structures and processes within a health system. It

includes the policies, strategies, and decisions made by government, health ministries, and other
stakeholders to guide the overall direction and management of the health system. Effective leadership

and governance are crucial for setting priorities, making decisions, and ensuring accountability in the

health system. Second is service delivery which encompasses the provision of healthcare services to

individuals and communities. This includes a wide range of services, such as preventive, promotive,

curative, and rehabilitative care, delivered by various healthcare providers and facilities. Service delivery

should be of high quality, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the population.

Then, Health System Financing block which involves the mechanisms used to raise and allocate

funds for the health system. It includes the collection of revenue through various sources such as taxes,

insurance premiums, and out-of-pocket payments, as well as the allocation of funds to different areas of

the health system, such as health facilities, workforce, and medical products. Efficient and equitable

health system financing is essential to ensure that adequate resources are available to provide quality

healthcare services to the population. The health workforce building block encompasses all the individuals

who provide healthcare services within the health system, including doctors, nurses, midwives,

pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. This building block includes issues related to workforce

planning, recruitment, training, retention, and performance management. A well-trained, motivated, and

adequately sized health workforce is critical for the effective functioning of a health system.

Medical Products, Vaccines, and Technologies block involves the availability, accessibility, and

appropriate use of medical products, vaccines, and technologies within the health system. This includes

ensuring the availability of essential medicines, vaccines, diagnostic tools, and medical equipment, as well

as their appropriate use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Access to quality medical

products and technologies is crucial for the provision of effective healthcare services. The health

information systems building block involves the collection, management, and use of health information

within the health system. This includes the use of health information for decision-making, planning,
monitoring, and evaluation of health services. Reliable and timely health information is essential for

effective health system management, policy development, and resource allocation.

The video shown about the story of Rosario presented the concept of complex problems needs

systems thinking. When dealing with complex problems, it is often not sufficient to approach them with

isolated, or fragmented mindset. Complex problems are characterized by their intricate nature, involving

multiple interconnected and interdependent factors that interact in non-linear ways. These problems may

have multiple causes, involve diverse stakeholders, and require consideration of various perspectives and

feedback loops. Systems thinking is an approach that considers the problem as part of a larger system,

taking into account the relationships, interactions, and feedback loops between the different components

of the system. It involves understanding the system as a whole, rather than focusing on individual parts

in isolation. Systems thinking encourages a holistic and integrative approach to problem-solving,

recognizing that changes in one part of the system can have unintended consequences in other parts.

Systems thinking helps to identify the underlying causes and dynamics that contribute to the

complexity of the problem. It involves examining the interconnections between the different components

of the system, understanding how they influence each other, and identifying the feedback loops that can

reinforce or mitigate the problem. Systems thinking also emphasizes the need to consider the long-term

consequences of actions and interventions, as well as the potential unintended consequences that may

arise from short-term fixes.

The course also included a method of effective listening that involves various nonverbal cues, including

Smile or serious facial expression, Open posture, Forward Lean, Time, Eye contact, and nodding. These

cues can convey different messages and should be adapted based on the context and the speaker's

communication style. The facial expressions, including smiling or adopting a serious expression, should be

appropriate to the situation and the speaker's message. A smile can convey warmth, approachability, and
friendliness, which can help create a positive environment for communication. However, in some

situations, such as when discussing sensitive or serious topics, a serious expression may be more

appropriate to convey empathy and understanding. Maintaining an open posture means keeping your

body position relaxed and open. Avoid crossing your arms or legs, as this can convey defensiveness or

disinterest. Instead, keep your arms relaxed at your sides or in a natural position, and face the speaker

directly to show that you are receptive to their message.

Leaning slightly forward can convey engagement and interest in the speaker's message. However,

be mindful of invading the speaker's personal space, as this can be perceived as intrusive. Lean in subtly

to show your attentiveness and engagement in the conversation. Being mindful of time is an important

aspect of effective listening. Avoid checking the time, looking at your watch, or appearing rushed, as this

can signal disinterest or lack of attention. Instead, be present in the moment and give the speaker your

full attention without distractions. Maintaining eye contact with the speaker is a powerful nonverbal cue

that conveys respect, attentiveness, and interest in the conversation. However, be mindful of cultural

norms and individual preferences regarding eye contact, as some people may feel uncomfortable with

prolonged eye contact. Adjust your eye contact to match the speaker's comfort level. Nodding your head

can convey agreement, understanding, and encouragement. It shows that you are actively listening and

processing the speaker's message. However, avoid nodding excessively, as it can be perceived as insincere

or patronizing. Use nodding sparingly and naturally to show your engagement in the conversation.

The class activity of “Say what I say, do what I Say” thought a realistic lesson of walk the talk that

refers to the importance of aligning one's words with their actions. In the context of healthcare

administration, it means that leaders should not only articulate their vision, values, and expectations

verbally, but also demonstrate those values and behaviors through their actions. To "walk the talk"

effectively in healthcare administration, leaders must lead by example and set a positive tone for their

organization.
 The course emphasized also about mission, vision, and core values of the organization. The

mission statement outlines the fundamental purpose and reason for existence of the healthcare system.

It articulates the organization's overall goal and the primary focus of its activities. The mission statement

typically describes what the organization does, whom it serves, and what it aims to achieve in terms of

providing healthcare services. The mission statement serves as the foundation upon which the vision and

core values are built, providing the organization with a sense of purpose and direction. The vision

statement outlines the desired future state or long-term aspirations of the healthcare system. It reflects

the organization's strategic goals, aspirations, and the direction in which it aims to move. The vision

statement inspires and motivates employees, patients, and other stakeholders by painting a compelling

picture of the organization's future. The vision statement should be aligned with the mission and provide

a clear direction for the organization's growth and development.

The core values are the fundamental beliefs, principles, and ethical standards that guide the

behavior and decision-making of the healthcare system. They represent the organization's culture and

serve as a compass for employees in their day-to-day actions. Core values help define the organization's

identity and shape its organizational culture, which is crucial in a healthcare system where the quality of

care, patient safety, and ethical conduct are of utmost importance. The correlation between mission,

vision, and core values in a healthcare system is that they are all interconnected and should be aligned

with each other. The mission statement provides the overall purpose and direction, the vision statement

outlines the desired future state, and the core values represent the guiding principles and beliefs that

drive the organization's behavior and decision-making. When these elements are consistent and aligned,

they create a unified organizational culture, facilitate strategic planning and decision-making, and help

ensure that the healthcare system is operating with a clear sense of purpose and direction while upholding

its ethical standards and values.

 SOAR analysis is an alternative to the traditional SWOT analysis that focuses on an organization's

strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results. It is a positive and forward-thinking approach that

emphasizes an organization's potential and possibilities for the future. In SOAR analysis, strengths refer

to the internal capabilities and positive attributes of the organization that give it a competitive advantage.

This includes the organization's unique resources, expertise, skills, and positive aspects of its culture or

operations. Identifying and leveraging strengths can help the organization build on its existing capabilities

and excel in its areas of expertise.

Opportunities refer to the external factors or circumstances that can create favorable conditions

for the organization's success. This includes market trends, emerging technologies, regulatory changes, or

other external factors that can create new opportunities for the organization to grow, expand, or achieve

its goals. Identifying and capitalizing on opportunities can help the organization seize new markets, create

new products or services, or gain a competitive edge. Aspirations are the organization's future goals,

vision, and desired outcomes. This includes the organization's long-term aspirations, strategic objectives,

and the vision of what it wants to achieve in the future. Aspirations reflect the organization's ambitions

and provide a sense of direction for its growth and development.

Results refer to the measurable outcomes or achievements that the organization aims to achieve.

This includes specific targets, metrics, or key performance indicators (KPIs) that the organization uses to

track its progress and success. Focusing on results helps the organization measure its performance and

ensure that it is making progress towards achieving its aspirations. SOAR analysis is a positive and

proactive approach that encourages organizations to focus on their strengths, opportunities, aspirations,

and results, rather than dwelling on weaknesses or threats as in traditional SWOT analysis. It provides a

framework for organizations to identify and leverage their positive aspects and create a forward-thinking

approach towards achieving their goals and aspirations.

 The identified strength and opportunities were then adopted in identifying the Strengths-

Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats before making TOWS analysis where the strengths are utilized to take

advantage of the opportunities by formulating strategic question then making strategic actions. There is

a need to exercise the analytical mind in making the TOWS analysis in order to formulate solutions to

existing issues or improve from the current situation. The strategic actions are then organized in the

balanced score card to identify which perspective are addressed and what other areas that are necessary

to be take into consideration. This typically includes four key perspectives: financial, customer, internal

processes, and learning and growth. Each perspective represents a different aspect of the organization's

performance, and together they provide a balanced and comprehensive view of the organization's

strategic objectives and performance indicators.

Financial perspective focuses on financial performance indicators, such as revenue, profitability,

and cost management. It includes measures that assess the financial sustainability and effectiveness of

the healthcare organization. While Customer perspective focuses on the satisfaction and loyalty of

patients, families, and other stakeholders. It includes measures related to patient satisfaction, patient

outcomes, and other indicators that reflect the organization's ability to meet the needs and expectations

of its customers.

Internal processes and operational efficiency of the healthcare organization includes measures

related to process improvement, resource utilization, and operational performance indicators that reflect

the organization's ability to deliver high-quality care in an efficient and effective manner. Lastly, learning

and growth perspective focuses on the organization's capacity for learning, innovation, and development.

It includes measures related to employee training and development, organizational culture, and other

indicators that reflect the organization's ability to adapt and improve over time.
 The Balanced Scorecard in healthcare administration is typically used as a strategic management

tool to set goals, measure progress, and align performance across different levels of the organization. It

provides a holistic and balanced view of the organization's performance, enabling leaders to make

informed decisions, monitor progress towards strategic objectives, and continuously improve

organizational performance. By using the Balanced Scorecard, healthcare administrators can effectively

manage and improve the performance of their organizations in a balanced and integrated manner, leading

to better patient outcomes and overall organizational success.

Logical framework analysis is an approach to project planning that sets out in a matrix: goal,

purpose, expected results and activities on the vertical axis and the performance indicators, means of

verification and assumptions on the horizontal axis. In preparing logical framework analysis using the

“why” questions will be useful in making a problem and objective tree. Indicators are conditions that

signal success and it must be specific and defined as to quantity, quality, time, and year. Means of

verification can either be internal or external data.