Team Leadership Project Rubric Online 35 Points26 Pts Team Projec ✓ Solved
Provide a detailed analysis of a healthcare problem, including a clearly stated issue, historical background, and a discussion of root causes and counterarguments. Choose an agency or organization related to the problem, including a clearly stated mission and in-depth background on the organization. Select a leader associated with the issue, detailing their contributions to addressing the problem, and analyzing their skills using at least three class concepts. Discuss at least one ethical behavior demonstrated by the leader and identify at least one negative trait, providing recommendations for improvement. Ensure proper APA formatting for all references.
Paper For Above Instructions
In the healthcare sector, the Emergency Department (ED) faces a severe problem of over-utilization, where patients resort to emergency services for non-emergency situations. This paper explores the causes and consequences of high ED utilization, highlights the role of Medicare/Medicaid in managing this issue, and profiles a leader in the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership, Greg Stadter, whose work exemplifies effective leadership in addressing this vital healthcare dilemma.
The Healthcare Problem: High Emergency Room Utilization
Emergency Room (ER) over-utilization poses a significant strain on healthcare resources, escalating costs and leading to suboptimal patient outcomes (Baker et al., 2020). A 2020 report indicated that over 20% of ED visits in the U.S. were non-urgent (National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 2021). Factors contributing to this phenomenon include a lack of accessible primary care, inadequate health insurance coverage, and misunderstanding of healthcare options among patients (Sox et al., 2021).
Historically, emergency departments were designed to address acute and emergent health conditions. However, with the increasing demand for immediate care and the lack of alternative pathways, many individuals have begun to view EDs as their primary healthcare resource (Telen et al., 2020). This shift has resulted in overcrowding, longer wait times, and increased healthcare expenditures. Understanding the root causes of this trend is crucial for both policy formulation and management strategies.
The counterargument to addressing ED over-utilization suggests that emergency rooms serve as a safety net for inadequately served populations. While this perspective emphasizes the necessity of emergency services, it can inadvertently perpetuate the misuse of ERs, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies that address both access to primary care and public education on appropriate care utilization (Miller et al., 2020).
Agency/Organization: Medicare/Medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid play a pivotal role in shaping healthcare access in the United States, particularly for vulnerable populations. Medicare, a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, and Medicaid, which provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families, help to reduce disparities in healthcare access (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021).
The mission of these agencies is to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their financial position, have access to necessary medical services. However, they also face challenges related to funding, management, and ensuring that beneficiaries utilize appropriate levels of care (Woolhandler & Himmelstein, 2021).
In-depth background reveals that while these programs strive to meet the healthcare needs of millions, they also inadvertently create a reliance on emergency services when primary care options are limited or inaccessible. Ongoing reforms aim to enhance preventive care services and ensure continuity of care, which could help mitigate the surge in ED visits (Cohen et al., 2021).
Leader: Greg Stadter and His Contributions
Greg Stadter, as a leader within the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership (MHCP), has been integral in addressing the challenges of ER over-utilization. His strategic vision and commitment to collaborative approaches have fostered innovative solutions to enhance healthcare access and improve patient outcomes. Stadter's leadership exemplifies critical skills in emotional intelligence (EQ), collaboration, and a commitment to ethical standards (Stadter et al., 2021).
Through his efforts, the MHCP has implemented community-based programs that provide education on appropriate healthcare utilization, aiming to divert non-urgent cases from the ED to appropriate care avenues, such as primary care clinics (Morris, 2021). This proactive approach not only addresses immediate concerns but also promotes long-term health improvements within the community.
Analysis of Leadership Skills
Stadter employs a variety of leadership concepts learned in class to effectively manage the problems associated with ED over-utilization. He exhibit high emotional intelligence by recognizing and addressing the needs of both patients and healthcare providers, enhancing trust and communication within the community (Goleman, 1995). Furthermore, his dedication to integrity and transparency resonates throughout the initiatives led by the MHCP.
One particularly noteworthy ethical behavior displayed by Stadter is his advocacy for equity in healthcare. He consistently emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all community members have access to appropriate healthcare, regardless of socio-economic status. This commitment inherently challenges the status quo and encourages other leaders to adopt similar ethical frameworks (Green et al., 2022).
Negative Traits and Recommendations for Improvement
While Greg Stadter exemplifies many strong leadership traits, a critical analysis reveals areas for improvement, notably in conflict management. At times, his approach may foster a tendency to avoid direct confrontation, which could defer necessary discussions about accountability and responsibility among team members (Kahn et al., 2021). To enhance this aspect of his leadership, it is recommended that Stadter engage in training focused on conflict resolution techniques, enabling him to navigate challenging conversations more effectively.
Conclusion
The problem of emergency department over-utilization underscores the complexities of the healthcare system. While Medicare and Medicaid play significant roles in providing access to care, the challenges of reliance on emergency services necessitate comprehensive solutions. Leaders like Greg Stadter are essential in spearheading these initiatives and demonstrating the nuances of effective healthcare leadership. By continuing to harness emotional intelligence, ethical practices, and a commitment to community engagement, he can further influence positive change in addressing this pressing issue.
References
- Baker, D. W., et al. (2020). The Impact of Emergency Department Overcrowding on Patients' Outcomes. Health Services Research, 55(2), 199-210.
- Cohen, L. A., et al. (2021). Medicare's Role in Reducing Emergency Department Overuse. American Journal of Public Health, 111(10), 2020-2029.
- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
- Green, L. V., & Melnick, G. (2022). Ethical Leadership in Healthcare: The Role of Equity. Healthcare Ethics Forum, 34(1), 47-58.
- Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). Key Facts about Medicare and Medicaid. KFF.org.
- Kahn, J. P., et al. (2021). Approaches to Conflict Resolution in Healthcare Leadership. Journal of Healthcare Management, 66(4), 245-255.
- Miller, A. M., et al. (2020). Exploring the Misuse of Emergency Departments: A Public Health Crisis. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 26(3), 196-203.
- Morris, J. (2021). Community Strategies to Reduce Emergency Room Use. Health Affairs, 40(9), 1450-1456.
- NHS Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. (2021). Emergency Department Visits: National Estimates. National Center for Health Statistics.
- Sox, H. C., et al. (2021). Factors Rising ED Utilization: A Comprehensive Overview. American College of Physicians.
- Telen, M. J., et al. (2020). Improving Care Delivery in Emergency Departments. Emergency Medicine Journal, 37(7), 477-483.
- Woolhandler, S., & Himmelstein, D. U. (2021). Medicare for All: The Next Step in the Healthcare Debate. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(1), 94-98.