The Well-Managed Healthcare Organization Text Book Flashcards
Index
1
Q
What does AARP stand for?
A
American Association of Retired Persons
AARP is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the interests of people aged 50 and older.
2
Q
What is the definition of Activity-based costing (ABC)?
A
A costing method that assigns overhead and indirect costs to specific products
The objectives of ABC include improving cost control and decision-making.
3
Q
What does ABMS stand for?
A
American Board of Medical Specialties
ABMS oversees the certification of physician specialists in the United States.
4
Q
What is absenteeism in the context of healthcare organizations?
A
The frequent absence from work, which can impact organizational performance
It is often related to employee engagement and organizational culture.
5
Q
What is the ACA?
A
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
The ACA aims to increase healthcare access and reduce costs.
6
Q
What are academic medical centers known for?
A
Providing clinical education and graduate medical education
They play a crucial role in training healthcare professionals.
7
Q
What does accountability refer to in healthcare?
A
The obligation of individuals or organizations to explain their actions and decisions
It is essential for effective leadership and management.
8
Q
What are Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)?
A
Groups of healthcare providers who work together to deliver coordinated care
ACOs aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
9
Q
What is the purpose of accreditation in healthcare?
A
To ensure that healthcare organizations meet specific standards of care
Accreditation is typically conducted by recognized organizations like The Joint Commission.
10
Q
What is the role of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)?
A
To oversee and coordinate graduate medical education programs
ACGME emphasizes mastery of core competencies in patient care.
11
Q
What is the definition of ‘best practices’ in healthcare?
A
Methods or techniques that have consistently shown superior results
Identifying and implementing best practices is crucial for quality improvement.
12
Q
What is the definition of ‘bias’?
A
A tendency to favor one perspective over others
Bias can affect decision-making and healthcare outcomes.
13
Q
What is the significance of the Balanced Budget Act?
A
Legislation aimed at controlling federal spending on healthcare programs
It has significant implications for Medicare and Medicaid.
14
Q
What does ‘burnout’ refer to in healthcare settings?
A
A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress
It is particularly prevalent among healthcare providers.
15
Q
What is the role of case management in healthcare?
A
To coordinate patient care and ensure that patients receive appropriate services
Case management is critical for managing complex health needs.
16
Q
What is the definition of ‘charity care’?
A
Healthcare services provided for free or at reduced prices to low-income patients
Charity care is a vital component of community health services.
17
Q
What is the purpose of checklists in healthcare?
A
To ensure that critical steps in a process are not overlooked
Checklists are commonly used in surgical procedures and patient care.
18
Q
What are the responsibilities of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in healthcare?
A
Overseeing financial operations, budgeting, and financial reporting
CFOs play a crucial role in the financial health of healthcare organizations.
19
Q
What is ‘clinical education’?
A
Training provided to healthcare professionals to enhance their clinical skills
This includes both formal education and continuing medical education.
20
Q
What does the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulate?
A
Federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid
CMS sets standards for healthcare quality and reimbursement.
21
Q
What is the significance of the ‘CEO-board relationship’ in healthcare governance?
A
It is essential for effective oversight and strategic direction
A strong CEO-board relationship can enhance organizational performance.
22
Q
What is a ‘certificate of need’ (CON)?
A
A regulatory mechanism that requires healthcare providers to obtain approval for certain types of expansions or services
CONs are intended to prevent overbuilding and ensure cost-effective healthcare services.
23
Q
What is the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Title VII related to?
A
Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
This legislation is crucial for ensuring equal employment opportunities.
24
Q
What is the role of clinical engineers?
A
Oversee medical equipment and technology management
Clinical engineers ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices.
25
What are the critical actions in clinical excellence?
Focus on foundations, managerial leadership, and measures
## Footnote
Effective clinical excellence requires a systematic approach to quality.
26
What is the purpose of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments?
Establish quality standards for laboratory testing
## Footnote
This ensures accurate and reliable laboratory results.
27
What does the term 'clinical performance' refer to?
The effectiveness and efficiency of clinical services provided
## Footnote
Improving clinical performance is essential for quality patient care.
28
What are the functions of clinical support services (CSSs)?
Improve continuously, maintain relationships, manage operations
## Footnote
CSSs play a crucial role in supporting clinical operations.
29
What is required for the education and certification of clinical nurse leaders (CNLs)?
Completion of a master’s degree and passing a certification exam
## Footnote
CNLs are prepared to lead and manage patient care.
30
What is the definition of community benefit as per IRS guidelines?
Programs that improve health and well-being of the community
## Footnote
This includes services provided to low-income populations.
31
What are the essential elements of community health centers?
Accessibility, comprehensive services, and community involvement
## Footnote
These centers aim to provide primary care to underserved populations.
32
What does 'continuous improvement' entail in healthcare organizations?
Ongoing efforts to enhance services, processes, and outcomes
## Footnote
It is a critical philosophy for achieving high-quality care.
33
Fill in the blank: The __________ is responsible for overseeing the financial accounting component of controllership.
[controller]
## Footnote
The controller manages financial reporting and compliance.
34
What is the significance of the Code of Ethics for healthcare executives?
Guides professional conduct and decision-making
## Footnote
Adherence to ethical standards is essential in healthcare management.
35
True or False: The community needs assessment is a process to identify health needs within a community.
True
## Footnote
It helps organizations tailor services to community requirements.
36
What is the definition of compliance programs in healthcare?
Systems to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and standards
## Footnote
Effective compliance programs help prevent legal issues.
37
What is the role of a credentials committee?
Review and recommend privileges for clinical staff
## Footnote
Ensuring that healthcare professionals are qualified is crucial for patient safety.
38
What are the key components of effective communication in healthcare?
Training, messaging, and patient interactions
## Footnote
Clear communication is vital for patient safety and satisfaction.
39
What does 'cultural competency' refer to in healthcare?
Ability to provide care to patients with diverse backgrounds
## Footnote
Cultural competency improves patient engagement and outcomes.
40
What is the definition of 'collective bargaining'?
Negotiation process between employers and a group of employees
## Footnote
It often involves discussions on wages, benefits, and working conditions.
41
What are the expected outcomes of community health promotion?
Improved health status and reduced health disparities
## Footnote
Effective community health initiatives lead to better overall public health.
42
What does CRNAs stand for?
Certified registered nurse anesthetists
43
What does CSSs refer to?
Clinical support services (CSSs)
44
Define cultural competency.
Ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.
45
What is the definition of culture in a healthcare context?
The values, beliefs, and practices that shape the behavior and interactions within a healthcare organization.
46
What is the significance of customer-listening activities?
They help organizations understand and respond to the needs and preferences of their customers.
47
What are internal customers?
Individuals within the organization who rely on services or products provided by other departments.
48
What is the role of customer stakeholders?
They express demands and expectations that influence organizational practices and policies.
49
What is cybersecurity?
The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.
50
What does the Dartmouth Atlas provide?
Data and analyses on healthcare delivery and utilization in the United States.
51
What is the importance of data in healthcare?
It ensures appropriate use and security, promotes effective use, and maintains reliability and validity.
52
Fill in the blank: Data management systems are defined as _______.
[systems that collect, store, manage, and analyze data]
53
What are diagnostic coding practices?
Systems used to classify and record diagnoses for billing and management purposes.
54
What is the purpose of due diligence in healthcare?
To ensure that all necessary evaluations and assessments are conducted before making decisions.
55
Define evidence-based management.
Management practices that are informed by the best available evidence from research.
56
What is the significance of the Emergency Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)?
It requires hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment regardless of ability to pay.
57
What does an engaged workforce contribute to an organization?
Higher productivity, improved patient care, and better employee morale.
58
What are the critical actions in environment-of-care management?
Ensure regulatory compliance, design and plan facilities, and manage supply chains.
59
What is the role of ethics committees in healthcare?
To provide guidance on ethical issues and dilemmas that arise in patient care.
60
What is the function of financial management in healthcare?
To manage cash flow, financing, and ensure the organization achieves its financial goals.
61
What is the definition of 'equity capitalization'?
The process of raising capital by issuing shares of stock.
62
What does the term 'dual interest' refer to in board membership?
A situation where a board member has conflicting interests that may affect their decision-making.
63
What are the elements of effective care?
* Clinical staff performance
* Nursing roles
* Functional protocols
64
What is the purpose of environmental assessments in healthcare?
To evaluate and improve the safety, quality, and efficiency of healthcare environments.
65
What is a common concern of direct care providers?
Ensuring patient safety and quality of care.
66
What does the term 'deemed status' refer to?
A designation that allows healthcare organizations to be considered compliant with certain regulations.
67
What are the primary goals of disease prevention in population health?
To reduce incidence and prevalence of diseases through proactive measures.
68
What is the role of the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission?
To enforce laws against workplace discrimination.
69
What is the importance of employee assistance programs?
They provide support for employees facing personal issues that may affect their work.
70
What does the term 'designing HCO systems' entail?
Creating systems that foster continuous improvement and effective operational performance.
71
What are the requirements for effective financial reporting?
* Accuracy
* Timeliness
* Compliance with standards
72
Fill in the blank: The commitment to _______ is essential for achieving excellence in healthcare organizations.
[evidence-based practices]
73
What is the purpose of exit interviews?
To gather feedback from departing employees to improve workplace culture and practices.
74
What is financial planning?
The process of setting financial goals and creating a plan to achieve them
## Footnote
Includes tests and adjustments.
75
What are financial reporting/statements?
Documents that provide an overview of a company's financial performance, including pro forma statements
## Footnote
Pro forma statements are projections of future financial performance.
76
What does adequate financial resources refer to?
Having sufficient funds to meet operational and strategic needs
## Footnote
Essential for effective financial management.
77
What is the significance of standardization of financial terms?
Ensures consistency and clarity in financial communication
## Footnote
Important for accurate reporting and analysis.
78
What are strategic measures of financing?
Methods used to secure funding and manage financial resources effectively
## Footnote
Includes various financing options and strategies.
79
What is a fiscal intermediary?
An organization that manages the flow of funds between healthcare providers and payers
## Footnote
Plays a critical role in financing healthcare services.
80
What is a fishbone diagram?
A visual tool used to identify and analyze the causes of a problem
## Footnote
Often used in quality management and process improvement.
81
What does fixed staffing mean?
A staffing model where a set number of staff are assigned to specific roles
## Footnote
Provides predictability in workforce management.
82
What does promoting flexibility in work hours entail?
Allowing employees to have varying work schedules to improve work-life balance
## Footnote
Can enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.
83
What are float pools in healthcare?
Groups of healthcare professionals who can be assigned to different departments as needed
## Footnote
Helps to manage staffing shortages and improve efficiency.
84
What is the purpose of focused agendas in meetings?
To ensure that meetings are productive and focused on key issues
## Footnote
Successful boards utilize focused agendas to enhance effectiveness.
85
What is the role of focus groups?
Gathering feedback and insights from stakeholders to improve services or products
## Footnote
Provides valuable listening opportunities for organizations.
86
What is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?
A federal agency responsible for regulating food, drugs, and medical devices
## Footnote
Ensures safety and efficacy of healthcare products.
87
What is forecasting in budgeting?
The process of estimating future financial outcomes based on historical data
## Footnote
Critical for effective financial planning and resource allocation.
88
What is the definition of group purchasing?
A strategy where multiple organizations come together to buy goods or services at a reduced price
## Footnote
Enhances purchasing power and cost savings.
89
What is the Health Care Quality Improvement Act?
Legislation that mandates credentialing and reporting requirements for healthcare providers
## Footnote
Aims to improve the quality of healthcare services.
90
What is horizontal integration in healthcare?
The process of merging or acquiring similar healthcare entities to enhance services
## Footnote
Aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
91
What are healthcare organizations (HCOs)?
Entities that provide healthcare services, including hospitals and clinics
## Footnote
Defined by their mission to deliver care and improve health outcomes.
92
What is the role of a governing board?
To provide oversight and strategic direction for an organization
## Footnote
Responsible for ensuring quality of care and compliance.
93
What does the term goal setting refer to?
The process of establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives
## Footnote
Essential for strategic planning and performance evaluation.
94
What is the significance of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
A federal law that protects patient privacy and secures health information
## Footnote
Ensures confidentiality and integrity of health data.
95
What is the purpose of grievance administration?
To manage and resolve complaints and disputes within an organization
## Footnote
Important for maintaining employee satisfaction and compliance.
96
What are handwashing protocols?
Guidelines for proper hand hygiene to prevent infection transmission
## Footnote
Critical for patient safety in healthcare settings.
97
What is human resources (HR) in healthcare?
The department responsible for managing workforce-related functions
## Footnote
Includes recruitment, training, and employee relations.
98
What is the purpose of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS)?
To measure patient satisfaction and quality of care in hospitals
## Footnote
Provides standardized data for comparison across facilities.
99
What does high reliability in healthcare organizations mean?
The ability to consistently deliver safe and effective care without errors
## Footnote
Focuses on creating a culture of safety and accountability.
100
What is the definition of homeostasis?
The process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to conditions
## Footnote
Essential for health and well-being.
101
What are hospital-acquired infections?
Infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment in a healthcare facility
## Footnote
A major concern for patient safety and quality of care.
102
True or False: The governing board is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization.
False
## Footnote
The governing board provides oversight but does not manage daily operations.
103
What is the definition of 'inclusion' in the context of board leadership development?
Inclusion refers to the practices and strategies that ensure diverse perspectives are represented and valued in leadership roles.
## Footnote
This includes succession planning and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
104
What does 'immunization' refer to?
Immunization is the process of making a person immune to an infectious disease, typically through vaccination.
## Footnote
It is a critical public health measure to prevent disease outbreaks.
105
What are the common uses of information in high-performing healthcare organizations (HCOs)?
Common uses of information in high-performing HCOs include:
* Improving patient care
* Enhancing decision-making
* Facilitating communication
* Supporting operational efficiency
## Footnote
High-performing HCOs leverage information to drive quality improvements and patient safety.
106
What is the role of infection preventionists?
Infection preventionists are responsible for implementing and monitoring infection control measures within healthcare settings.
## Footnote
They often require certification to validate their expertise in infection prevention.
107
What is an Individualized Care Plan?
An Individualized Care Plan is a customized plan developed for each patient to address their specific health care needs and preferences.
## Footnote
It is crucial for providing personalized and effective care.
108
True or False: The Joint Commission is involved in establishing National Patient Safety Goals.
True.
## Footnote
The Joint Commission sets these goals to improve patient safety in healthcare organizations.
109
What are the key components of knowledge management (KM)?
Key components of knowledge management include:
* Ensuring appropriate use and security of data
* Ensuring reliability and validity of data
* Continuous improvement
* Providing access to management information
## Footnote
KM is essential for effective decision-making and operational efficiency in healthcare.
110
Fill in the blank: The definition of 'inurement' is _______.
[the use of an organization's income or assets for personal gain]
## Footnote
Inurement is a key concept in nonprofit governance to prevent personal benefits to board members.
111
What is the significance of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report titled 'Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health'?
The IOM report emphasizes the need for nurses to take on expanded roles in healthcare to improve patient outcomes and address the evolving healthcare landscape.
## Footnote
It calls for nursing education reform and leadership development.
112
What is Lean management in healthcare?
Lean management is a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating waste in healthcare processes to improve efficiency and quality.
## Footnote
It focuses on value creation for patients.
113
What is the purpose of institutional review boards (IRBs)?
IRBs are responsible for reviewing research proposals to ensure ethical standards are met and that the rights and welfare of participants are protected.
## Footnote
They play a critical role in research ethics in healthcare.
114
What does the acronym EHR stand for?
EHR stands for Electronic Health Records.
## Footnote
EHRs are digital versions of patients' paper charts and are essential for efficient information management in healthcare.
115
What are some functions of internal consulting in healthcare?
Functions of internal consulting include:
* Benchmarking best practices
* Environmental assessment
* Evaluating proposed solutions
* Supporting process improvement teams
## Footnote
Internal consulting enhances organizational performance and effectiveness.
116
What is the significance of the term 'long-range financial plans (LRFPs)'?
LRFPs are strategic plans that outline an organization's financial goals and the strategies to achieve them over a long-term horizon.
## Footnote
They are vital for ensuring financial sustainability in healthcare organizations.
117
What does 'intangible rewards' refer to in the context of healthcare?
Intangible rewards refer to non-monetary benefits that motivate and satisfy employees, such as recognition, job satisfaction, and a positive work environment.
## Footnote
These rewards can significantly impact employee engagement and retention.
118
What is the role of licensed independent practitioners (LIPs) in healthcare?
LIPs are healthcare professionals who are permitted to provide care independently, such as physicians and advanced practice nurses.
## Footnote
They play a crucial role in patient management and clinical decision-making.
119
What does the acronym TJC stand for?
TJC stands for The Joint Commission.
## Footnote
TJC is an organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations in the United States.
120
What is 'living will'?
A living will is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they are unable to communicate their preferences.
## Footnote
It is an important aspect of advance care planning.
