Facility Care Health Management Risk Services

Facilities providing health care have an inherent amount of risk involved. Risk management services programs provide protection for the assets of the facility and protect the individual healthcare providers from costly malpractice suits from patients or employees. Organizations providing risk management consider all aspects of management, including financial and ethical issues. Risk services provide strategic planning for risk control and management.

History

• Health care facilities historically handle risk management in-house. However, human error is inevitable and risk management services were created to provide the tools for physicians and managers for risk management against legal issues. Risk services for facilities providing health care developed as the need for protection became evident. Risk management experts began to work on various strategies for physicians, administration and financial managers to provide the necessary tools for risk management.

Identification

• Risk identification is a key component of risk management. Dr. Kavaler and Dr. Speigal of the State University of New York value total quality management with continual quality and process improvement development. These processes are a means of identification and evaluation of the management of risk and liability. Risk management services allocate the importance of direct communication with patients and employees to reduce the prospect of misunderstanding which could result in legal problems.

Considerations

• Risk management consists of various considerations involving facility management. The regulatory environment and processes of the facility mandate a proactive stance in business practices. Prevention and proactive implementation of risk identification and control ensure the safety of the facility. This can be seen as an ethical way to practice business. Ethical concerns and the need to address the issues create liability reduction and control management. Ethical practices promote safety and care in services delivered.

Misconceptions

• The decision to consult a risk services vendor depends on the needs and size of the institution. Not all services are alike. Larger organizations such as hospitals or long-term care facilities have differing dynamics over privately owned medical clinics. Facilities with research departments will have its own unique needs for risk management. Selecting a risk management service is as important as following the strategies and using the tools available for successful management.

Benefits

• The benefits of facility risk services helps organizations focus on development of safe patient care practices. They also assist in the preservation of resources for financial management. Another focus is development, implementation and continuity of safe working environments. Management services bring the newest techniques and up-to-date legal changes to the operation.