Recent estimates have placed the value of the healthcare sector in the United Kingdom at an impressive £16.1 billion.
So, it should be clear that firms require a fair amount of proactive oversight if they hope to make the most out of what this burgeoning sector has to offer. This is when the role of a qualified healthcare project manager will come into play. What responsibilities are associated with this title, and what unique skills should be brought to the table?
The Basic Roles of a Healthcare Project Manager –
It is a well-known fact that their level of efficiency judges the competence of any project manager. Thus, one of the primary responsibilities of those who oversee a healthcare organization involves making certain that the firm in question is making the most out of its available resources while still providing superior patient care.
Managers will also monitor ongoing operations and analyze the performance of subordinates. The main goal here is to identify any areas that can be improved and identify any potential practices that might no longer be effective.
What Skills Will a Healthcare Project Manager Require?
Any project management position is defined by an ability to think outside of the proverbial box. As situations change, novel approaches will likely be required. Thus, flexibility is a key trait to possess. There are a handful of other skills which are just as valuable. These include:
- On-the-go problem solving
- The ability to effectively communicate with others
- Team leadership
- Thorough knowledge of all applicable laws and regulations
- A client-centered mindset
While some of these talents are natural, others will require a certain degree of professional development to be specifically adapted to the healthcare industry.
An Overview of Project Management Responsibilities –
One of the most rewarding aspects associated with a healthcare project manager position is the simple fact that this role is by no means static. In other words, responsibilities will change from time to time. While this may appear daunting to some, others will positively view such situations as unique challenges. So, a handful of fundamental responsibilities can be broken down as follows:
- To ensure the efficient delivery of all related products and services.
- To oversee all compliance concerns.
- To effectively manage budgets.
- To monitor staffing, fees, overhead costs, and billing.
Furthermore, these professionals need to appreciate that projects will not always go as initially planned. Therefore, they must boast the ability to keep abreast of any changes so that targeted solutions can be enacted appropriately. This is actually a standalone trait which all types of project managers tend to possess, and it can often make the ultimate difference between success and failure.
Superior Communication Skills –
Healthcare project managers must also be able to communicate with all relevant stakeholders effectively. While this may include team leaders and supervisors, there can also be times when the patients themselves are directly involved (when feedback is required to determine the effectiveness of an ongoing marketing campaign).
This trait is important for several reasons. First, healthcare is one of the most fluid marketplaces in existence. Patient needs, insurance premiums, and treatments can change within a short period of time. Secondly, there can be times when more than one project is being overseen simultaneously. Finally, communication is essential to rectify small issues before they conglomerate into much more serious problems.
Ensuring Continuous Quality Improvement –
The ultimate duty of any healthcare project manager is to ensure that patients are supplied with targeted care solutions while also guaranteeing that the organization in question provides these options most transparently and cost-effectively. It is therefore clear to see that this role is associated with a great deal of responsibility.
Whether referring to risk assessments or the procurement of the latest medical equipment, healthcare project managers are involved with nearly every decision made within an organization (to one degree or another). This is the very same reason why a significant amount of formal training alongside hands-on experience will normally be required.
Adapting to an Ever-Changing Marketplace –
Healthcare project management can represent an advantageous position. Still, let us keep in mind that many challenges will need to be overcome from time to time. This is why such professionals need to remain well ahead of the ever-evolving curve while always ensuring that patient care is never taken for granted. Those keen to take on such responsibilities should expect to enjoy a fun and dynamic professional career.
Author Bio: This article was written by Conor O’Flynn of O’Flynn Medical. O’Flynn Medical is the leading medical equipment supplier like hospital beds and hoists in the UK and Ireland.
