Organisational Profile of Treatment Center for Cancer - Assignment Example

 Organizational Profile Description of Organization Overall Purpose My organization is a research and treatment center for cancer. Its employees include surgeons, oncologists and researchers. In 1999, this organization became a national cancer center with the main intention of having an in-depth understanding of various types of cancer. In the organization’s bid to provide the best cancer care in the region, it has delivered palliative medical care, a psychosocial oncology unit, a mammogram suite as well as other services meant to ease the life of cancer patients. The organization has both clinical and research facilities. As such, it is able to meet its common purpose- the provision of hope to patients through best care given by the best people who have done the best research in cancer care. Geographical Location The organization is located in Outram Medical Campus, 11 Hospital Drive in Singapore. This is about 500 meters from Outram Park Station. It also nears the New Bridge Road bus terminal. During weekdays, services are offered from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm while on Saturdays, the facility is open from morning until 12.30 pm. Guided by the vision of becoming a leading global cancer center, the organization targets not only the Singapore population, but also overseas patients. Target Population Statistics show that this organization caters for about 75% of all cancer patients in the country with an addition of about 10% from the region (Asia). Thousands of new cases are reported every year. Health Services Environment Environment The environment in health care provision refers to the impact of different related factors as an institution endeavors to give out the best care to its patients. In the development of health care programs, the main objective lies in giving participants an in-depth understanding of the changing environment in the health sector (Caldwell, 2001). Armed with this knowledge, they are now in a better position to develop responses to tackle the challenges as posed by the environment. This results in successful organization strategies. It is important to note that the environment in the health care system is dynamic which implies that its state today may be very different in the future. The challenges encountered therefore are different with regard to specific time frames (Ulrich & Zimring, 2004). Critical issues, concerns and developments must be in line with the environment in order to ensure that the strategy put in place in a health care organization are met. My Organization’s Environment Cost The cost of health provision in Singapore is high compared to the country’s total expenditure. In fact, it is among the most expensive health care systems of the world. A lot is spent on the health care by the country which impacts on the country’s economy. Such high costs are responsible for a country losing its global competitiveness, indebting the country, bankrupting individuals as well as destroying jobs (McMichael, 2003). The general health care system becomes generally not sustainable. In my organization, there is need to understand that cancer affects all humans regardless of their standing in the society. It therefore follows that there is a huge number of especially local patients who cannot afford this treatment and care. On the other hand, cancer is a disease that requires constant treatment and management as it has no cure. Sometimes there is need for surgery. In my organization, the cost of providing this type of health care is quite high considering that it is also the national cancer centre in the country. A lot is spent in diagnosis, treatment and management of one single case. Even though the government chips in to help in the smooth running of the organization, cost in the provision of services still poses a big challenge. The second aspect of cost lies in research. This is also a research centre that endeavors to conduct comprehensive research in a bid to gain a clear understanding of the causes of the different types of cancer. The main challenger here lies in monetary provision to fund research projects. This is because they are quite expensive considering the fact that cancer is a complex disease. Without conclusive research being done, care provision for these patients would be hectic. The organization has embarked on a program whereby people of good will can contribute what they have for this humanitarian course. This is after the realization that the government alone cannot adequately fund the organization. Unfortunately, there are times when the funding is not significant. Sometimes the public does not donate as they should probably due to hard economic times or ignorance. The high cost of maintaining this organization is felt as many people in the public have not been sensitized on the need to donate to such a worthy cause. It is perceived as government responsibility to cater for all health problems of the public. Demography There are three basic aspects of demography that affect health care provision, this organization not being an exception. Aging This is the most dramatic demographic issue. There is a tendency in the country as statistics indicate of the older population growing. If the over 65 population increases, health care provision gets more complex. This is because this age group, as expected, consumes more health care (McCally, 2009). If the more people get older, the health care consumption rate also grows. In the organization, there are instances whereby more cases are reported by the older generation than the young one. As such, one realizes that they have not one but varied health issues. It is possible to find one person with two types of cancers especially in this age group. This poses a big challenge in provision of care as more medical attention is needed. There is need, therefore, to keep funds aside to cater for this group. Diversity The target population is diversified. Even though most of the patients are local, there is also a number who are from the wider Asia region. Even though nationality is not as important as individual identity, it still plays an important factor with regard to access to care and the expected health outcome (Howard, 2010). In the organization, people from abroad have high expectations. When all does not go well, this is a big challenge as the expected health outcome has an impact on the individual’s health status. Growth Growth is the most often missed demographic factor (O’Neil, 2011). The population of the country is expected to grow, so is the number of new cancer cases. The population therefore must age, change and grow. This process is expected to add more expenses considering that there will be a need in the organization for more skilled and professional workers. Centralization, Formalization and Complexity Health care systems in their operations are seen as complex adaptive systems which are not rigid, mechanical or linear. Scholars agree that no single organizational structure is right as to fit all organizations in a specific industry. There is need for leaders therefore, to create a balance between centralization and decentralization. This is the best way that the management can streamline decision-making, align responsibility and support its strategy and objectives. In the health care industry however, centralization is the preferred to decentralization in order to meet its needs that include coordination, efficiency and control. My organization has adopted a centralized form of operation. This system allows that leaders of the organization make decisions but ensure that these decisions do not hurt the performance of individual members of the organization. Additionally, they ensure that the value of the organization to the local community is maintained (Zuckerman, 2009). This is a big challenge when the centralization and standardization is too strong. Firstly, staff members have decisions taken out of their hands. Being the professionals that they are, they tend to look for alternative employment where their voice is heard with regard to hospital operations. As observed, centralization and formalization of the system has a negative impact on health care delivery as well as staff morale. One aspect of decentralization that is evident in this organization is the fact that there is collaboration with other institutes of patient care, learning and research (Nelkin & Edelman, 2007). The organization collaborates in giving health care to patients who are in other institutions. The biggest challenge here is that their policies may not be in line with those of the organization which may create conflict of interest. References Caldwell, J. (2001).Entering the century of the environment: A new social contract for science. New York: Vintage Press. Howard, F. (2010). Environmental health: From global to local. San Fransisco: John Wiley & Sons.  McCally, M. (2009). Environment and health: An overview. CMAJ, 165. 533 -5. McMichael, J. (2003). Planetary overload: Global environmental change and the health of human species. Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press. Nelkin, D. & Edelman, J. (2007). Centralizing health care. Transaction Books O’Neil, (2011). E. Health Care Environment Drivers. San Francisco: University of California. Ulrich, R., & Zimring, C. (2004). The role of the physical environment in the hospital of the 21st century. The Center for Health Design. Zuckerman, A. (2009). Choosing centralization vs. decentralization. Health Strategies & Solutions Inc. Read More