Ascension Health

Ascension Health

The healthcare organization that I identified that spans several states in the United States is Ascension Health. Ascension Health is considered to be the most significant health system that is offered by the Catholic. In the United States, it is the largest non-profit healthcare institution with over seventy- six branches in twenty- four different states. The institution is faith-based and works in collaboration with a network of hospitals across the country to ensure that the medical practices that are put in place are in line with the best practices that create healthier communities across the country. Currently, the institution is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri where most of its operations are coordinated. One of the fundamental principles that the institution applies is iscommunity outreach through creating networks among impoverished societies that cannot afford some of the essential medical services that are provided by institutions across the country.

The institution also bases a lot of effort on research and development towards creating ways that can reduce the healthcare costs across the country. For a long time, Ascension Health has been said to be one of the most critical healthcare institutions in the country. This is not only because of its non-profit initiatives, but due to the contributions that it has made over the years towards enhancing the healthcare system of the United States. Its contributions have enabled many people not only in the public realm, but also in the medical profession to understand the importance of being committed to meeting the needs of the people at all times. The cost of its medical services at each of the branches operated by the organization is also significantly lower compared to some of the famous for-profit institutions across the country. One of the most pressing issues in the American healthcare system in the last decade has been the increasing cost of care. However, Ascension Health has over time provided the much needed relief that most citizens expect in regards to the cost of healthcare.

Ascension Health Strategic Plan

The readiness of Ascension Health in addressing the healthcare needs of the citizens in the next decade can be assessed through looking at the current strategic plan that the institution has developed. There are several aspects of the strategic plan at Ascension Health that are in line with the goals of the institution. One of the aspectis ensuring that vulnerable individuals in the society are placed equally in the reception of care. Vulnerable individuals in the country are often disadvantaged in the community (Brill, 2015). The institution intends to always place these individuals in the equal line of care as other people. Such an initiative is aimed at guaranteeing that people are not marginalized in regards to access of quality healthcare services in the country. The institution also aims to provide healthcare that is safe and that works. In the recent past, there have been complaints that some medical institutions provide services that do not work. The strategic plan of Ascension Health is to give this to the people.

The strategic plan also calls for AscensionHealth to create larger networks and partnerships with other medical institutions and organizations that look after the needs of the people in the society. Such partnerships create collaborations that can in the near future improve the health and well-being of the people. The institution also intends to shift its focus from just healthcare and expand it to include the well-being and welfare of the people it serves. Some of the areas that the medical institution intends to expand its scope to include quality and safety, the health of communities, superior and experience, access and affordability, and reach and impact. These are areas that are of significant concern to many stakeholders in the healthcare system of the United States. Such initiatives have the potential to not only expand the operations of the organization, but can also play a great role towards creating a healthier population across the country. When the health of the people is enhanced, there is a higher likelihood that their well-being and welfare could be guaranteed.

Ascension Health also aims to expand its services to all states where its services are not offered. The aim of this expansion across all states is to increase its reach so that medical services can be easily accessed by those who need it most. The institution also aims to diversify the health services that are in great demand. Primary care in the United States is in high demand with the current medical institutions unable to try and meet the demands of the designated market. Diversification would allow the medical institution to be in a greater position to effectively meet the needs of the people with ease. Another strategy mentioned in the strategic plan is to utilize technology and innovation in its operations and activities. The advancement that has been observed in information technologies in the last decade has had a huge impact on the healthcare system of the United States. Utilizing such technology and innovation would be a great step towards ensuring that the quality and accessibility of services is made effective by technology.

Comparison of Ascension Health to Singapore Airlines

A number of comparisons can be made between the Singapore Airlines Case Study and the strategic plan of Ascension Health. Established in 1972, Singapore Airlines has over time grown to become a reputable and respected brand in the world today (Miller, Vandome, &McBrewster, 2012). Singapore Airline’s continued success in the cut throat international civil aviation industry is attributed to several factors.

Customer Satisfaction

Unlike other airlines that focus on reducing the benefits customers flying in their aircraft or using their lounges enjoy as a way of cutting costs, Singapore airlines chose to focus on customer satisfaction. Singapore Airlines has revamped its meals on the aircraft to reflect customer needs and desires in terms of cultural diversity and health consciousness. The airline has also responded to requests to improve its schedules in busy airports by renovating its management systems in coordination with airport management staff. All employees interact with their customers in a good manner while their concerns related to safety, comfort, and amenities are promptly sorted out. Such a paradigm shift in airline management is part of the reason Singapore Airlines remains profitable as other larger, profit-oriented European and American airlines incur losses.

Similarly, Ascension health focuses on the customers and patients’ satisfaction. Being a non-profit organization, the healthcare provider does not suffer the stresses of financial performance and can focus all its manpower, innovation, and other resources of its patients.

Cultural Issues

Cultural issues have been a major factor in the profitability of many international airlines for decades. The diversity of cultures means that such business organizations must be cognizant of the diversity as well as respectful of their practices and requirements. Singapore Airlines is based in a relatively conservative part of the world where cultural issues such as religion, diet, and dressing are crucial. It also operates in relatively liberal regions such as Europe and America. However, due to the culturally- conscious mode of operations, the airline appeals to both groups of customers. Staff dressing, on-board entertainment content, and language selection are some of the factors that Singapore Airlines has considered in its strategy to remain culturally conscious and aware of its customers.

Ascension Healthcare may be a Catholic-inspired healthcare services provider, but its range of customers is wide. Therefore, the hospital has adopted a considerate model of operations where the religious and cultural extraction of its customers is not placed under consideration. Instead, the organization focuses on their health and eventual recovery.

Staffing Factors

Staffing within the business organization is an important process because it has a direct relationship with organizational performance. Singapore Airlines employs thousands of employees from different social, economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. In order for the company to effectively manage this large diverse group of employees, it uses special HRM software that considers factors such as skills, experience, age, health issues, and cultural awareness all relative to the destinations and operations bases. Additionally, the company constantly apprises its large group of employees while meting out punitive action to those that deserve it. Regular skills re-training and checking is carried out as are further training and proficiency checks.  All these are favourable staffing practices that continue to ensure Singapore Airline’s continued success in the cut throat international civil aviation industry.

Similarly, Ascension Healthcare uses the most appropriate staffing techniques in order to make sure it only attracts, vets, on-board, and retain the best staff, especially in the nursing department. Nurses undergo development-oriented mentorship programs and are encouraged by their peers and seniors who are both within and around the nursing practice. The result is a large group of competent nurses who are motivated, eager for professional and holistic growth, and capable of handling any and all healthcare cases presented to the respective institutions.

References

Brill, S. (2015). America’s bitter pill: Money, politics, backroom deals, and the fight to fix our

broken healthcare system. New York: Random House.

Miller, F. P., Vandome, A. F., &McBrewster, J. (2012).Singapore Airlines. New York:

Alphascript Pub.