MASTER OF HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP
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LEADING CHANGE IN HEALTHCARE
Grade: Distinction
The primary aim of this assignment was to develop an action plan for change based on an analysis of current evidence. Two previously completed assignments which focused on identifying an innovative change and critical analysis of the change were completed and used to inform the development of this action plan. This report considers the need and justification for the innovative change. Using the ADKAR model of change management as a framework, stages to completing the change are mapped out with reference to this model. Values based leadership is discussed as an appropriate leadership model with which to lead change. A proposed evaluation plan is identified with a focus on key activities to be measured. The conclusion highlights some of the legal and ethical implications of change management and suggests key take home messages from the findings in this report. Finally we will look at some of the barriers and facilitators to implementing change as well as recommendations for the planning and evaluation of future healthcare innovations.
STRATEGIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Grade: Distinction
The recruitment and retention of clinical staff is a challenging issue that effects the organisational capabilities and competitiveness of Marathon Health and therefore their ability to achieve the vision and mission of providing accessible and equitable healthcare and wellbeing services to rural and remote communities. This report identifies the need to address this issue strategically and the process of doing so. Relevant frameworks and tools that will assist Marathon Health in the planning, implementation and evaluation of their strategic plan are discussed and John Kotters 8 step change model is considered in the context of managing the change process and the benefits of doing so.
Many theories of change were investigated during the research phase of this report and resulted in further research to better understand what theory would best fit Marathon Health’s strategic objective. John Kotters 8-step change theory was selected for the purpose of this report as it seemed the phases within it aligned nicely with the strategic planning process. However, the benefit of using different theories for different strategic issues was apparent and noted by the author. Strategic capabilities and the tools for identifying them were also well researched and it was found that there is a plethora of tools available for Marathon Health and the budding strategist when starting on the strategic journey. Understanding the differences between the tools, what they were for and the benefits of using one over the other became quite the endeavour but eventually three were selected for the purpose of Marathon Health’s strategic plan. The resource-based view, industry analysis and strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis. A literature review discovered that the implementation of strategic plans is often overlooked resulting in the strategy collecting dust on a shelf somewhere and as such the implementation of the plan became much more of a challenge than originally thought. This report discusses the importance of a well thought out implementation plan that should be considered and designed as part of the planning process. Evaluation of the strategic plan and the goals within it is also seemed at times more of an afterthought and, like implementation, should be addressed at the offset. It is however clear that strategic planning is a fluid process and strategists must make the most of the constant emergent learnings and create plans that are adaptable to change in order to achieve strategic success.
PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF CLINICAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Grade: Distinction
This report will discuss the completed suicide of a young person accessing services at a Non-Governmental Organisation. This event can be regarded as a serious adverse event and as such warrant’s investigation. A Root Cause Analysis was undertaken and quality improvement recommendations as a result of the analysis were identified and implemented. Relevant national, state and organisational policies will be identified in relation to the event and the systematic investigative approach of the event critically examined. Key points from the investigation will be discussed and ethical and legal implications will be considered. Accountability is considered throughout the report with the identification of key staff’s responsibilities as a result of the investigative process. The report will conclude with a quality improvement plan and recommendations underpinned by the organisations quality improvement framework and risk management policies. The organisation and young person have been de-identified.
HEALTHCARE PORTFOLIO
Grade: High Distinction
The primary aim of this assignment was to develop a comprehensive healthcare portfolio. Along the way, l developed my skills in and critically evaluated the nature of professional development and the role of reflective practice to lifelong learning. The role of professional standards as a driver for professional practice and ongoing professional learning was an ongoing theme throughout this unit of study. What constitutes rigorous quality evidence and the process of collecting meaningful data for healthcare portfolios was also examined. This unit culminated in the development of my ehealth portfolio site.