A hospital’s organizational structure is typically hierarchical and divisional, with administrators at the top, followed by information services, therapeutic services, diagnostic services, and support services. Each division has its own duties and employees, and they work together to keep the hospital running smoothly.
A typical hospital organizational structure would usually be a combination of a hierarchical and divisional structure, as there is a chain of command where some levels are under another level, but employees are organized into departments or divisions which have their own duties. At the top of the structure would be the administrators, followed by the information services and the therapeutic services, both usually at the same level. Diagnostic services also complement the aforementioned divisions, along with support services. If the organizational structure of a hospital were drawn, it would likely resemble a pyramid, with only a few leaders at the top and more subordinates at the lower levels.
The top tier of administrative services are the people who usually own and operate the hospital as a business. They are responsible for imposing policies and budgeting based on patient and employee needs. Often, these people are called the board of directors, executives, presidents, and vice presidents. Department heads such as leading surgeons and pediatricians can also be considered part of the administrative services.
Following the administration services are the information services, responsible for the documentation of all documents necessary in all hospital activities. This includes obtaining patient information upon admission, medical and family records, and receipt of expenses incurred during the hospital stay. All documents are typically filed using a computerized system which facilitates retrieval and sorting. The Information Services Department is also responsible for maintaining personnel records, recruiting new employees, and conducting workshops to educate both staff and patients on new health issues and news. Staff at this level may include receptionists, secretaries and marketing specialists.
The organizational structure of a hospital also includes a group of therapeutic services, perhaps more recognized by patients as it involves doctors, surgeons and therapists who directly treat patients and their conditions. In addition to the usual doctors who cater to patients’ physiological conditions, therapeutic services also include people who help patients with other needs, such as psychologists, therapists, dietitians, and even social workers. Nurses may also be part of this group, monitoring patients when doctors are unavailable.
Diagnostic Services is the division responsible for machines and laboratories. To be treated properly, patients may need to undergo a variety of tests and sample extractions, such as blood and urine tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Samples and images usually pass through labs and diagnosticians for analysis, then the true cause of a disease is identified and doctors can administer appropriate treatment.
Completing the organizational structure of a hospital are the support services which ensure that medical supplies are plentiful, machines are in good working order, and the hospital is clean and functioning. This division’s staff would include engineers, electricians, and janitors. All of the divisions mentioned are important, and the loss of a person can invalidate a hospital’s ability to serve patients. These divisions also work with and depend on each other to keep the hospital running smoothly.
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