Systems Analysis in Health Care: Framework and Example

Summary Objectives: Due to the high complexity of structures and processes in health care, thorough systems analyses in health care run the risk of becoming very complex and difficult to handle. Therefore, we aimed to support systematic systems analysis in health care by developing a comprehensive framework that presents and describes potential areas of analysis. Methods: A framework for systems analysis in health care was developed and applied in a health care setting. To provide a clear structure, the framework describes the potential views and levels of systems analyses in a health care environment. Results: The framework comprises five views (roles and responsibilities, information processing and tools, communication, business processes, teams structure and cooperation) and five levels of analysis (overall organization, organizational unit, staff member, role, task). The framework was successfully applied in an analysis of the structures and processes of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of the University Medical Center Heidelberg. Conclusions: The proposed comprehensive framework aims to structure the views and levels of systems analysis in the complex health care environment. Our first experiences support the usefulness of such a framework.

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The Experience of Providing Physical Therapy in a Changing Health Care Environment

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/82.7.648 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 82 (7) ◽

pp. 648-657 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Rosemary Blau ◽

Sarah Bolus ◽

Terrence Carolan ◽

Daniel Kramer ◽

Elizabeth Mahoney ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Work Environment ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Phenomenological Study ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Medical Center ◽

Systemic Change ◽

Academic Medical Center ◽

Health Care Environment ◽

Care Environment

Abstract Background and Purpose. The changes in the health care environment during the last decade have had an impact on the roles and responsibilities of all health care professionals. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of staff physical therapists during a time of systemic change within a large urban academic medical center. Subjects and Methods. Participants were 5 physical therapists working in various clinical settings within the medical center. The participants were interviewed and asked the question “Over the past 4 years, there have been major changes in your work environment. What has it been like for you working as a clinician during this time of change?” Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to find thematic patterns of responses. Results. Four common themes emerged in which participants described experiencing loss of control, stress, discontent, and disheartenment. A fifth theme showed that despite these negative feelings, participants were able to “find the silver lining” in their daily work lives (ie, they were able to find positive aspects of their professional lives despite the perceived unpleasant changes with which they had to cope). Discussion and Conclusion. This study provides insight into the experiences of a group of staff physical therapists during a time of systemic change in their work environment. Although the themes reflect largely unsettling and negative experiences, there seems to be an underlying ability to find affirmative aspects of work.

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The Postgraduate Medical Informatics Programme at the University of Cape Town

Methods of Information in Medicine ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1636811 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 28 (04) ◽

pp. 321-323 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lynn A. Hanmer

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Medical Informatics ◽

Cape Town ◽

Postgraduate Education ◽

Education Programme ◽

Development Planning ◽

Health Care Environment ◽

Care Environment ◽

University Of Cape Town ◽

The University

Abstract:The Medical Informatics education programme at the University of Cape Town was developed as part of the postgraduate education programme run by the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The aim of the programme is twofold:a) To give students a broad background in Medical Informatics, to enable them to participate in the development, planning and management of information systems to support health care in South Africa, andb) To enable them to do a research project in a specialised area, thus learning research techniques, and contributing to the development of Medical Informatics as a discipline.Students benefit from participating in a postgraduate programme in a multidisciplinary department, which is firmly linked to the health care environment. A more specialised Medical Informatics programme is planned, but the multidisciplinary nature of work in this field will continue to be emphasised.

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Supporting Advance Practice Providers in the Emergency Department Using Telehealth

10.1093/med/9780190066475.003.0017 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 200-209

Author(s):

L. Kendall McKenzie ◽

Tearsanee Carlisle ◽

Lisa Haynie ◽

Jason McKay ◽

Greg Hall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Center ◽

University Of Mississippi ◽

Health Care Environment ◽

Care Environment ◽

Educational Preparation ◽

Current Health ◽

Mississippi Medical ◽

The University ◽

Delivery Models

This chapter focuses on the role of advanced practice providers (APPs) in the context of emergency telehealth by describing one of the first successful programs, started in 2003, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). Important issues germane to developing a program to provide telehealth supervision to APPs are covered. Specific concerns addressed by UMMC as the program was developed are described and generalized to the current health care environment. Major considerations regarding delivery models, contracts, technology, rationale for using APPs, regulatory concerns, and educational preparation are also discussed.

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