The psychology field has often been considered as an independent turf. In relation to other areas, like healthcare and management, psychology has often been considered as a standalone field. However, psychology has often been associated with the healthcare industry. On the other hand, use of psychology in management has been limited. The American Psychological Association’s website outlines several applications of modern day psychology. Some of these involve healthcare, while others incorporate management. This paper will explore how psychologists can work as a part of healthcare and management teams.
Recently, the Congress has been clamoring for an integrated healthcare system. Many stakeholders believe that an integrated healthcare system can be a significant move that is aimed at reforming the health sector. This integration brings together health providers from various disciplines. According to APA’s website, this collaborative effort is essential when it comes to treating a person. In this arrangement, professionals, such as nurses, physicians, psychologists, and other healthcare providers, can work as a single unit.
Psychologists can work as a part of healthcare teams in a number of stations. They can be stationed at medical schools, hospitals, pain clinics, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, mental health facilities, and community health facilities. In all these areas, psychologists can be a part of teams that work together in achieving overall health. While being in such teams, psychologists can either be the main health providers or act as secondary health providers.
As a part of healthcare teams, psychologists can collaborate with nutritionists, social workers, physiotherapists to treat or prevent diseases and ailments. Some of the notable psychologists, who are working towards an integrated healthcare, include APA’s executive director Katherine Nordal. Through her initiatives, APA has contributed to healthcare teams like the one of the Geisinger Health System. This program has been recently mentioned in a presidential speech and praised for its effectiveness. The Geisinger System provides healthcare to over two million citizens. This healthcare initiative incorporates various aspects of healthcare, such as pediatrics and gynecology. The system also incorporates psychologists working in various capacities. Charlotte Collins, a behavioral medicine psychologist who works for the program, says that her input helps improve healthcare outcomes.
Another example of an area, in which psychologists have been involved in, is in the Department of Veteran Affairs. Antoinette Zeiss has worked with this program for over twenty years. Antoinette’s job has been to train interns for the program. There are several other areas in which psychologists work as a part of healthcare teams. In all such instances, the primary goal is to integrate and improve healthcare.
Psychologists can also be integrated into industry’s management teams. All teams are formed of different personalities. Whenever different personalities are bundled together, they are likely to clash. These clashes can negatively influence a team’s productivity. A psychologist in an industry’s management team ensures that the workplace atmosphere is conducive. A psychologist can achieve this through various means. For instance, a psychologist can be able to assess productivity by conducting a workplace survey. With the help of such surveys, interviews, and focus groups, a psychologist can be able to collect useful data that is used to improve the team’s productivity. Today’s psychologists are equipped with various tools that make it easy for them to fit into an industry’s management team. These include math and scientific-research skills. In addition, the APA’s website emphasizes the use of computer technology in the most training activities.
In modern times, the field of psychology has gained prominence and recognition. Previously, psychology was considered as upcoming science. This recognition has made it possible for psychology to be incorporated into healthcare and other industries.