Introduction
It is imperative to note that the importance of resource allocation is a fascinating topic that is frequently discussed by scholars. The problem is that some of the approaches that are used may be criticized, and it can lead to numerous disagreements. Another aspect that needs to be mentioned is that ethical aspects should not be disregarded, and it would help to avoid complaints. It is important to understand that it has become a vital part of the industry because many institutions have to deal with issues related to funding, and it is important to allocate resources that are available to achieve the highest level of efficiency. The fact that it is expected that the cost of healthcare is going to increase in the future is especially problematic, and each professional should have an understanding of the reasoning behind such decisions.
Management
The approach that is used in my health care facility needs to be discussed. One of the most significant aspects that should not be overlooked is that the people responsible for most decisions have enormous experience in this area and are always willing to accept new methods and techniques. Procedures are picked if they would fit the model of healthcare delivery. Also, it is necessary to note that several professionals are responsible for the process, and they have established valuable relationships that help to ensure that all the required information is shared and discussed. Specialists frequently monitor procedures to identify ways in which the workflow or other aspects may be improved to increase the level of efficiency of operations. Human resources play a vital role, and it is the responsibility of nursing managers to identify particular patterns and make suggestions on what aspects must be prioritized. Employees are provided with all the necessary information regarding resource allocation to increase their knowledge of its unique aspects. Individuals that are responsible are capable of identifying possible issues and may come up with solutions without wasting valuable time. The facility has started to focus on information systems because such approaches have enormous potential (Yen Teoh, Pan, & Ramchand, 2012). Overall, the current approach can be described as reasonable, and it has proven to be effective. On the other hand, several aspects could be improved, and it is important to take necessary measures to address this issue.
Systems and Processes
A cost-effectiveness analysis is conducted to determine several core factors. First of all, it can help to get a better understanding of how much resources are required and if it will be necessary to reconsider some of the approaches. Potential benefits for patients always should be taken into account. The problem is that it may not be an easy task to predict the needs of an individual and the team may have to make several tough decisions. Several aspects are frequently prioritized because they are viewed as the most important. The Health and well-being of patients are of utmost importance, and it is necessary to follow all the steps suggested by current guidelines. Moreover, the facility is always using the latest information to improve evidence-based practice. Another aspect that needs to be acknowledged is time constraints. A schedule is well-developed to ensure that the transition between processes is smooth and operations are performed promptly. One of the advantages is that the process is well-established, and the team may make alterations depending on the situation. Such aspects as the possibility of a pandemic should be taken into account, and professionals should be ready to allocate resources based on the demands of the population. It is necessary to understand that limited resources are valued the most, and it is necessary to make sure that they are used efficiently. Overall, maximization of health benefits is the most important factor that is considered during the process of resource allocation. The most attention is devoted to the configuration of staffing most of the time because it is one of the core factors that help to increase the level of efficiency of operations, and the approach is flexible most of the time (Weng, Wu, Mackulak, & Verdini, 2012).
Determination
The need to allocate and distribute resources that are available is based on several criteria. The amount of funds that are necessary is a critical factor that most facilities focus on because they are determined to reduce unnecessary expenses. The analysis of effectiveness is crucial, and it is possible to identify connections with other aspects. It is important to mention that the role of equity also should not be overlooked, and many scholars suggest that it should be prioritized (Guindo et al., 2012). Interests of internal and external stakeholders should not be disregarded, and the level of safety is vital. The process is initiated depending on the objectives of the facility. Moreover, a list of procedures is frequently reviewed to identify which ones should be prioritized. New approaches are recognized and compared to other ones that are available. It is paramount to note that one of the core goals of the facility is to minimize spending, but the health and well-being of patients are critical. A procedure that would cost much more should not be overlooked if it improves the number of positive outcomes and increases the satisfaction levels of patients. Another aspect that is frequently disregarded is the role of ethics regarding resource allocation. The problem is that it may not seem reasonable to exclude some of the procedures that would be beneficial for a relatively small percentage of patients. Unexpected events are always taken into account, and it is important to understand that resources cannot be used to their full potential most of the time when developing a plan. Some procedures would require additional training and it is necessary to analyze if expenses and resources that must be used in such cases are justified.
Changes in the Process
Some changes can be initiated to improve the process because it has several weaknesses. For instance, the use of computer software would help with resource allocation. A broad range of programs have been developed over the years, and many of them are incredibly useful. However, it is important to understand that emergencies are quite common, and they may complicate the process most of the time. It is necessary to understand that healthcare professionals have to deal with many changes because it is evident that the healthcare system needs to be improved, and the focus on positive outcomes is vital. The impact of policies is also enormous, and the government should pay more attention to regulations. The issue is that problems related to accuracy may occur, and it is unacceptable when it comes to healthcare, and it is important to ensure that the process is being monitored by trained professionals. It is necessary to understand that all the decisions should not be based on the information that is received, and each case may have to be reviewed. One of the core aspects that need to be discussed is that the role of modern technologies in health care has been increasing, and it would be reasonable to apply some of them in practice, and they would help to improve resource allocation. Such factors as waiting periods and prompt treatment are viewed as especially problematic, and this approach can be utilized to increase the level of productivity (Yeow & Huat Goh, 2015). Also, it may be important to look at the experience of other countries to get a better understanding of what techniques are efficient and which are not. Ideas and suggestions made by healthcare professionals should be analyzed and reviewed because they can provide vital information that needs to be recorded. Procedures that have minor health benefits may have to be eliminated, and prevention of illness needs to be preferred. Another aspect worthy of a discussion is that the needs of the elderly are overlooked most of the time, and it is important to look for ways in which it will be possible to provide them with the best services and to minimize the use of resources. It may be necessary to consider the information that is collected to get a better understanding of their needs and which aspects they prefer. Another aspect that needs to be noted is that the stance on this topic varies from one individual to another. For instance, older patients think that they need to focus on health outcomes is of utmost importance. On the other hand, younger people believe that equality should be preferred (Kolasa & Lewandowski, 2015). The system does not have to be restructured, but alterations would be beneficial in the long term. Furthermore, it is evident that many issues that may complicate the process are currently present, and it may be necessary to develop a particular tool that would help to determine which aspects should be prioritized. Such data needs to be analyzed, and it is entirely possible that some of the processes will be altered depending on the results (Simonen, Viitanen, & Blom, 2012).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that the role of resource allocation should not be overlooked, and health care organizations should devote much more attention to the process. It is important to understand that it has an enormous impact on the ability of such institutions to deliver high-quality services. Numerous complications may be introduced if resources are not properly allocated, and it is not an easy task to address such issues promptly most of the time. Such aspects as cost-efficiency and a range of benefits are measured in most cases. The current approach used in the health care facility may be viewed as reasonable, but need to improve it in the future should not be disregarded. The problem is that it is expected that the cost of healthcare is going to increase significantly, and the facility should predict and analyze possible risks related to resource allocation. Overall, it is important to keep track of latest trends in the industry because some of the technologies and techniques that are introduced may be utilized to alter the process.
References
Guindo, L. A., Wagner, M., Baltussen, R., Rindress, D., van Til, J., Kind, P., & Goetghebeur, M. M. (2012). From efficacy to equity: Literature review of decision criteria for resource allocation and healthcare decision-making. Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation, 10(9), 1-13.
Kolasa, K., & Lewandowski, T. (2015). Does it matter whose opinion we seek regarding the allocation of healthcare resources? – A case study. BMC Health Services Research, 15(1), 564.
Simonen, O., Viitanen, E., & Blom, M. (2012). Factors relating to effectiveness data use in healthcare management. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 61(7), 752-764.
Weng, S., Wu, T., Mackulak, G., & Verdini, W. (2012). A multi-tool integrated methodology for distributed resource allocation in healthcare. International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 11(4), 428-452.
Yen Teoh, S., Pan, S. L., & Ramchand, A. M. (2012). Resource management activities in healthcare information systems: A process perspective. Information Systems Frontiers, 14(3), 585-600.
Yeow, A., & Huat Goh, K. (2015). Work harder or work smarter? Information technology and resource allocation in healthcare processes. MIS Quarterly, 39(4), 763-785.