HEALTHCARE: ACCOUNTABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY

Accountability and responsibility are commonly confused, but their definitions include distinct dimensions.What exactly is accountability? Accepting responsibility is the essence of accountability. In a company, taking accountability for one’s actions in addition to accepting accountability for one’s work responsibilities and/or the performance of his team is important. “The only way we succeed as a group is not simply following directions, but in keeping each other accountable for our actions.” by  A.J. Darkholme. Accountability is a top-down process in an organization. The entire leadership team must have a strong sense of ownership over both their specific areas of responsibility and the entire organization.

They have responsibility for the organization and management of patient care, including the direction of other healthcare professionals, and they collaborate with other professionals in clinical and community settings, either independently or in teams, to put preventative and curative measures into practice. In other words, responsibilities are the people who are responsible for the patient and are paid by the organization (duty).Example consult with patients, learn about their needs for medical treatment, and provide guidance.

Sunday Adelaja said, “Where there is no accountability, there will also be no responsibility.”

The emphasis of accountability is on identifying a responsible leader who can foster a positive environment in which patients are discharged as healthy individuals while avoiding mistakes caused by specific circumstances.

Therefore, there are five skills the leader in healthcare should have. They are:

1. Strong communications  -To ensure accountability, a leader should communicate effectively and deliver instructions clearly.
2. Emotional Intelligence    -As leaders, we must control our emotions in order to be upbeat and empathetic toward services, not just for patients but also for those who accompany them. Hospitals are not traditionally locations for pleasant emotions in this industry.
3. Problem Solving                -As a leader in this industry, we need to be a referral for problems that need attention immediately.
4. Time Management             -The show will not be run “solo” by a leader who understands his or her responsibilities. He or she will delegate the task according to their areas of interest.
5. Flexibility                             -The leader must be willing to adapt to changes in technology and the workplace. Healthcare is the industry that has the most pressure, which it can’t deny due to several conditions of clinical situation and judgment.

The skills of a leader will bring us an accountable person. Personal characteristics of leaders in healthcare differ significantly from those in other industries. Accountability includes not only monetary management, but also asset, facility, and manpower management, all of which are always the subject of discussion and explanation to a leader.

Don’t you hate excuses? Do you find it annoying when someone spends 10 minutes explaining to you why they are unable to do a task rather than attempting to find a solution?

In my opinion, one of the key values in a successful healthcare organization is accountability. The foundation for creating a successful team is one of the most fundamental building components. To ensure that patients receive top-notch treatment, every employee in the business needs to feel personally accountable. Nothing about this works unless you are also keeping yourself accountable, and this cannot be emphasized enough. You, as the leader, must hold yourself to the highest standards possible. There aren’t any shortcuts. There are no excuses since your staff is constantly watching you and will follow your lead.

Nuradilah Shuib

Chief Finance Officer

KPJ Dhaka