The rapid development of technology has enabled organizations to adopt administrative applications that utilize web-based tools to assist in the efficient delivery of services as well as lower administrative and operational costs. This paper has discussed several regulatory applications such as automated health records, computerized staffing applications, digital financial reporting and management systems, and social responsibility reporting initiatives.
These applications have immense benefits in service delivery and administrative functions, not mentioning that they improve communication and saves a considerable amount of time and financial resources for the organization. However, organizations must put in place safety mechanisms to ensure that important data are not compromised and ensure the training of personnel to use the applications effectively and efficiently.
The convergence of technology witnessed in the 21st century has enabled organizations to make use of the evolving sophistication of administrative applications in a cost-effective and efficient manner (Bamberger, 2010). Indeed, automated executive applications are now, more than ever before, assuming a high degree of importance in organizational settings as the demand for information aimed at assisting in making critical decisions continues to increase.
This paper reports the findings of an interview with the Chief Administrator of Pine Breeze health facility about some of the administrative applications found within the health institution. The interviewee acknowledged the existence of several administrative applications used by the hospital to roll out efficient services to patients as well as assist in the management of the day-to-day activities of the facility.
The respondent underlined the fact that the facility was in the process of adopting information technology (IT) solutions to not only improve efficiency in the delivery of services but also ensure that the institution follows laid down procedures and guidelines in its interactions with patients and personnel. According to Pratt (2010), online administrative systems now allow the implementation of applications that requires minimal financial and human resources to run.
Many administrative applications in the health facility, according to the chief administrator, are used to administer processes that are vital to the efficient running of the organization. The interviewee noted that the organization had invested heavily in applications that ensure effective financial reporting, operational decision-making, patient access, marketing, performance management, and communication.
It is imperative to note that the respondent classified automated patient records and personal health records as administrative applications since they allow for quick and easy access to patient information. The clinical decision support system was also incorporated as an administrative application because it promotes faster decision-making processes among the health professionals, not mentioning the fact that this application allows patients to have access to important information about how to manage some critical health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
The health organization makes use of the web-based platform of communication, and employees are given a password to enable them to access key information about duty scheduling, organizational policies and directives, and other administrative information. This platform, according to the interviewee, is interactive and allows employees to exchange ideas and knowledge online.
Administratively, the organization has an employee database that explicitly deals with employee issues such as contractual terms, remuneration, work hours, leaves and other benefits. According to Roos et al. (2003) comprehensive computerized staffing, applications are essential to the effective management of an organization’s human resources for optimal productivity and performance.
The respondent also acknowledged that the organization has a comprehensive online financial reporting and management application, which deals with issues of patient billing, credit and collections, and revenue cycle management. Indeed, the interviewee was categorical that the online financial reporting and management application has substantially assisted the health organization to streamline its revenue-generating capacities while ensuring that all finances are accounted for.
Lastly, the organization has a social responsibility database, which provides information about the various initiatives that the health facility is undertaking for the benefit of the immediate community as well as to enhance its corporate image. The interviewee acknowledged that there are immense benefits associated with administrative applications, particularly in ensuring the efficient delivery of services and prudent financial reporting, and in ensuring that the health facility uses less financial and human resources than it did previously.
As observed by Pratt (2010), some applications such as automated patient records “allow quick access to patients clinical history and information concerning medications taken, current providers and insurance coverage” (p. 409). These administrative applications are also used to book appointments and track patient flows. The interviewee acknowledged that the computerized staffing application had indeed benefited the organization to schedule employees easily and more equitably while employing the already existing information technology tools.
According to Pratt (2010), computerized staffing allows organizations to keep track of employee payroll and other issues related to employees such as duty scheduling and benefits. The computerized financial reporting and management application, according to the interviewee, is beneficial in that it makes the process of budgeting much more efficient and much less time-consuming.
Roos et al. (2003) opines that a credible financial reporting and management system must have the capacity to not only track billing, accounts receivable and accounts payable, but also manage other capital undertakings such as capital assets and investments. The social responsibility application has greatly assisted the organization to market its initiatives to the consumers of its services.
Safety and training issues were raised as the major limitations of the administrative applications discussed during the interview. According to Bamberger (2010), many administrative applications used by organizations are available online, implying that there may be subject to unregulated access and hacking if necessary precautionary measures are not instituted.
Indeed, several organizations have lost key information that may be used by hackers to destabilize or even steal from them. Organizations also have to meet training costs of their employees in an attempt to empower them on the proper usage of the applications. To conclude, it is evident that many organizations are now adopting IT tools to strengthen their administrative applications.
This paper has discussed how administrative applications are used in the facility to enhance patient experience and enable the facilities to run their procedures and processes efficiently. It has been established that ensuring efficiency, lowering operational costs, enhancing quick information to vital information, and generating effective communication mechanisms are the main drivers behind the adoption of modern online-based administrative applications.
However, organizations must put in place safety mechanisms to ensure that important data are not compromised and ensure the training of personnel to use the applications effectively.
Reference List
Bamberger, K.A. (2010). Technologies of compliance: Risk and regulation in a digital age. Texas Law Review, 88(4), 669-739. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier Database
Pratt, J.R. (2010). Long-term care: Managing across the continuum. Sudbury, MA. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC
Roos, L.L., Sodeen, R.A., Bond, R., & Burchill, C. (2003). Working more productively: Tools for administrative data. Health Services Research, 38(5), 1339-1358. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier Database