Posted: July 24th, 2023

Technology Adoption in Healthcare, Health Financing Policy during Pandemics, and Strategic Planning for Old-Age Care

(Word limit – 3000 words with +/- 10 % permissible flexibility)
(Marks: 90 marks)
1. As technology has been an increasingly important factor in all of our lives for the past 50 years, it
is important to realise that the healthcare sector has been in parts the forerunner and in some cases
it has remained outdated. Referring to a recently published article (Alrahbi, D., Khan, M. and
Hussain, M., 2021. Exploring the motivators of technology adoption in healthcare. International
Journal of Healthcare Management, 14(1), pp.50-63.) the adoption of Health Information
Technology (HIT) is dependent on different healthcare stakeholders. These stakeholders are:
Patients; Members of Society; Foresight experts and Employees. The article goes on to explains
different motivators for the stakeholders to adopt HIT.
a. What is the main motivator for each of the stakeholder groups?
b. Following this article and with the use of other academic sources, please explain what
obstacles and motivators the stakeholders will encounter in the implementation of a
electronic patient/health record.
c. Please look at your own country. Does it have a universal electronic health record? Please
explain what the driving factors were for its implementation or why it has not been
implemented. (Do write the name of your country) -CLO 5,CLO 4
2. In preparation and prevention of another health crisis, the governments of the world need to have
a plan on how to deal with the costs that occur as a result of a pandemic. These plans greatly
differ per country, however it is wise to learn from successes and failings of other countries.
Please read the following article: Thomson, S., García-Ramírez, J.A., Akkazieva, B., Habicht, T.,
Cylus, J. and Evetovits, T., 2022. How resilient is health financing policy in Europe to economic
shocks? Evidence from the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2008 global financial
crisis. Health Policy, 126(1), pp.7-15.
a. What are the consequences for the health of a population with the implementation of
austerity measures and how did this influence the healthcare outcomes during the Covid19 pandemic? -CLO 3
3. Congratulations, you’re the director of a health care organisation in the UAE. This fictitious
health organization needs to be prepared for the future. Your organization works in the field of
old-age care. Based on the current health trends in the UAE and the world, please answer the
following questions:
©Al Tareeqah Management Studies – 2023 4
a. State the Vision and Mission statement of your organization.
b. Use the OKR’s to decide upon the Strategic Priorities; Strategic Initiatives
/Projects; Daily, weekly, monthly decisions. -CLO 1
4. Besides the cost, management of public health and all the factors relating to the social
determinants of health have been very important in the governmental responses to Covid-19. –
CLO 2
a. The United Kingdom has had multiple problems in the field of healthcare management
when it comes to Covid-19. This cumulated in many reports, editorials and articles on the
subject. Please conduct a SWOT-analysis based on the academic and governmental
sources available on the UK’s handling of the pandemic. Please provide at least three
points in every window. Propose strategies to overcome the identified threats and
weakness key points.
b. Conduct a SWOT-Analysis on your own governmental response to the Covid-19
pandemic. Please provide at least three points in every window. Propose strategies to
overcome the identified threats and weakness key points.
c. When looking at the SWOT-analysis that you have conducted, please explain if there are
similarities between the two countries. What are lessons that your country can learn from
how the UK approached the pandemic?

Technology Adoption in Healthcare, Health Financing Policy during Pandemics, and Strategic Planning for Old-Age Care: A Comprehensive Analysis

Technology Adoption in Healthcare: Motivators and Obstacles
a. Main Motivators for Healthcare Stakeholder Groups:
The recently published article by Alrahbi et al. (2021) sheds light on the main motivators for different healthcare stakeholders to adopt Health Information Technology (HIT). These stakeholders are as follows:

Patients: Enhanced access to healthcare services, improved communication with healthcare providers, and the convenience of managing health information digitally motivate patients to adopt HIT.

Members of Society: The societal motivators encompass better population health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased efficiency in healthcare delivery through the widespread adoption of HIT.

Foresight Experts: The motivators for foresight experts relate to envisioning a futuristic healthcare system with integrated technology that allows for predictive analytics, personalized treatments, and better disease management.

Employees: For healthcare professionals and administrators, the adoption of HIT offers streamlined workflows, reduced administrative burdens, and improved patient care, leading to higher job satisfaction.

b. Obstacles and Motivators in Implementing Electronic Patient/Health Record:
In addition to the insights provided by Alrahbi et al. (2021), other academic sources suggest several obstacles and motivators encountered during the implementation of electronic patient/health records (EHR).

Obstacles:

Resistance to Change: Healthcare professionals may resist adopting EHR due to concerns about disruptions in their routines, potential learning curve, and fear of technology replacing human skills.
Interoperability Challenges: Integrating disparate systems and ensuring data compatibility between healthcare providers’ EHRs pose significant obstacles.
Data Security and Privacy Concerns: The safeguarding of sensitive patient information from unauthorized access and breaches is a major concern.
Motivators:

Incentives and Regulatory Support: Governments may offer financial incentives or regulatory support to encourage healthcare organizations to adopt EHR.
Improved Patient Outcomes: The potential to enhance patient care, reduce medical errors, and improve treatment outcomes acts as a strong motivator for healthcare stakeholders.
Data-Driven Insights: EHR enables access to vast amounts of patient data, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and research.
c. Universal Electronic Health Record in the United States:
In the United States, a universal electronic health record system, known as the “My Health Record” (MHR), was implemented to ensure a consolidated and accessible patient health record nationwide. The driving factors behind its implementation included:

Enhanced Continuity of Care: By providing a single repository of patient health information, the MHR aims to improve care coordination and avoid duplication of medical tests or treatments.
Patient Empowerment: The MHR allows patients to access and manage their health information, promoting greater engagement and participation in their healthcare.
Efficiencies in Healthcare Delivery: The implementation of MHR seeks to streamline administrative processes, reduce paperwork, and improve overall healthcare efficiency.
However, the adoption of MHR faced challenges related to privacy concerns, data security, and interoperability issues between various healthcare providers.

References:
Alrahbi, D., Khan, M., & Hussain, M. (2021). Exploring the motivators of technology adoption in healthcare. International Journal of Healthcare Management, 14(1), 50-63.

Health Financing Policy during Pandemics: Consequences of Austerity Measures
The article by Thomson et al. (2022) examines the resilience of health financing policy in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2008 global financial crisis. Austerity measures implemented during economic shocks have significant consequences for population health and healthcare outcomes during a pandemic.
Austerity Measures and Healthcare Outcomes during COVID-19 Pandemic:
During economic downturns, governments often implement austerity measures to reduce public spending. These measures can have adverse effects on healthcare systems and population health:

Reduced Healthcare Access: Austerity measures may lead to budget cuts in healthcare, resulting in reduced access to medical services and treatments.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations: Austerity policies can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, leading to worsened health disparities and inequalities.
Strain on Healthcare Resources: Budget constraints may strain healthcare resources, leading to shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and healthcare professionals.
These consequences can exacerbate the impact of a pandemic, as seen during the COVID-19 crisis, where healthcare systems faced unprecedented challenges due to increased demand for medical services and resources.

References:
Thomson, S., García-Ramírez, J. A., Akkazieva, B., Habicht, T., Cylus, J., & Evetovits, T. (2022). How resilient is health financing policy in Europe to economic shocks? Evidence from the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2008 global financial crisis. Health Policy, 126(1), 7-15.

Strategic Planning for Old-Age Care: Vision, Mission, and OKRs
Congratulations on being the director of a health care organization in the UAE. To ensure preparedness for the future, strategic planning based on current health trends is essential, particularly in the field of old-age care.
a. Vision and Mission Statement of the Organization:
Vision: To be the leading provider of holistic and compassionate old-age care, promoting dignity, well-being, and fulfillment for our elderly community.

Mission: Our mission is to deliver exceptional and person-centered care, empowering seniors to live with purpose, respect, and joy, while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for their physical, emotional, and social needs.

b. Strategic Priorities, Initiatives/Projects, and Decision Framework using OKRs:
Objective and Key Results (OKRs) provide a goal-setting framework that aligns the organization’s strategic priorities with actionable initiatives and decision-making at various levels:

Strategic Priorities:

Enhancing Care Quality: Implement evidence-based practices and continuous improvement strategies to elevate the quality of care provided to elderly residents.

Empowering Staff: Invest in professional development programs, mentorship, and recognition schemes to foster a highly skilled and motivated workforce.

Promoting Community Engagement: Develop partnerships and outreach programs to integrate seniors into the broader community and combat social isolation.

Strategic Initiatives/Projects:

Introduce comprehensive wellness programs, including physical activities, cognitive exercises, and mental health support, to improve residents’ overall well-being.

Establish an innovation center to explore and implement technological solutions that enhance elderly care and safety.

Develop personalized care plans for each resident, incorporating family input and ensuring individualized attention.

Daily, Weekly, Monthly Decisions:

Allocate resources strategically to support the implementation of wellness programs and innovation projects.
Monitor and analyze resident feedback and outcomes regularly to make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
Collaborate with local authorities and community organizations to plan and execute engagement events.
SWOT-Analysis: Governmental Responses to COVID-19 in the UK and UAE
a. SWOT-Analysis of the UK’s Handling of the Pandemic:
Strengths:

Strong Healthcare Infrastructure: The UK’s established healthcare system, including the National Health Service (NHS), provided a solid foundation for pandemic response.
Robust Scientific Community: The UK boasts a strong scientific community that contributed significantly to vaccine development and epidemiological research.
Public Health Measures: The government implemented lockdowns, testing, and contact tracing measures promptly to contain the virus’s spread.
Weaknesses:

Lack of Preparedness: Initial delays in response and insufficient stockpiles of medical supplies highlighted the lack of pandemic preparedness.
Communication Challenges: Inconsistent messaging and confusion surrounding guidelines undermined public trust and adherence to restrictions.
Long-Term Care Failings: Failures in protecting elderly residents in care homes revealed shortcomings in the healthcare system’s long-term care management.
Opportunities:

Vaccination Campaign: Accelerated vaccination efforts presented an opportunity to curb the pandemic’s impact and restore normalcy.
Healthcare Reforms: The pandemic emphasized the need for healthcare system reforms, including addressing workforce shortages and streamlining administrative processes.
Digital Health Advancements: Emphasis on telemedicine and remote healthcare services led to opportunities for future technological integration in healthcare delivery.
Threats:

Variants and Future Waves: The emergence of new variants posed a continuous threat to public health, requiring agile response strategies.
Economic Impact: The pandemic’s economic repercussions could strain healthcare budgets and lead to potential resource constraints.
Disparities in Health Outcomes: Vulnerable populations faced disproportionate health risks, necessitating targeted interventions to address health disparities.
Strategies to Overcome Identified Threats and Weaknesses:

Strengthen pandemic preparedness and stockpile critical medical supplies.
Enhance communication strategies with clear and consistent messaging.
Prioritize long-term care reforms to safeguard vulnerable populations.
b. SWOT-Analysis of the UAE’s Governmental Response to COVID-19:

Strengths:

Proactive Measures: The UAE implemented early and stringent preventive measures, including travel restrictions and testing protocols.
Advanced Healthcare Facilities: The country’s modern healthcare infrastructure and well-equipped hospitals enabled effective patient care.
Robust Testing and Tracing: Extensive testing and contact tracing efforts aided in detecting and containing the virus’s spread.
Weaknesses:

Migrant Worker Vulnerability: The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities among the large migrant worker population, requiring targeted support and healthcare access.
Information Transparency: The UAE faced criticism for limited public information on cases and containment measures, impacting public trust.
Opportunities:

Digital Health Solutions: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and digital health initiatives, presenting opportunities for long-term integration.
Global Collaboration: The UAE engaged in international collaboration for vaccine procurement and research, strengthening global health partnerships.
Threats:

Economic Impact: The pandemic’s economic consequences could affect healthcare funding and resource allocation.
Variants and Future Preparedness: Anticipating and preparing for potential variant outbreaks remains crucial to future response strategies.
Strategies to Overcome Identified Threats and Weaknesses:

Prioritize support for vulnerable populations, including migrant workers, through targeted health and social initiatives.
Improve transparency in information dissemination to build public trust.
Continue investing in and expanding digital health solutions to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency.
c. Lessons for the UAE from the UK’s Approach to the Pandemic:
The UAE can draw valuable lessons from the UK’s response to the pandemic:

Strengthening Preparedness: The UAE can bolster its preparedness for future health crises by investing in medical stockpiles, surge capacity, and pandemic response plans.

Effective Communication: Emphasizing clear and consistent communication with the public is vital to building trust and ensuring compliance with preventive measures.

Long-Term Care Reforms: Learning from the UK’s experience, the UAE can prioritize long-term care reforms and policies to safeguard elderly and vulnerable populations in healthcare facilities.

References:
Thomson, S., García-Ramírez, J. A., Akkazieva, B., Habicht, T., Cylus, J., & Evetovits, T. (2022). How resilient is health financing policy in Europe to economic shocks? Evidence from the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2008 global financial crisis. Health Policy, 126(1), 7-15.

Alrahbi, D., Khan, M., & Hussain, M. (2021). Exploring the motivators of technology adoption in healthcare. International Journal of Healthcare Management, 14(1), 50-63.

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