Stakeholders
Introduction
I am currently employed by Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, located in the panhandle of Florida. Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, ER and Children's Hospital is a critical care hospital with advanced specialty care services in Pensacola, Florida. The Medline Plus (2021) website Hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, and specialized care centers, such as birthing centers and mental care centers, are all examples of healthcare facilities. Stakeholders are defined as "any individual, group, or organization with an interest or concern in a company"(Lübbeke, A, et al 2019). Stakeholders can influence or be influenced by the organization's actions, goals, and policies. There are two types of stakeholders, internal and external.
Internal Stakeholders
Employees of the hospital and members of the medical staff would be key internal stakeholders. Internal stakeholders have a unique understanding of the organization's inner workings, allowing them to provide valuable insight and knowledge. According to Fottler, Myron D. et al, “Internal Stakeholders are those who operate within an organization, in this case generally Hospital staff”. Knowledge of the policy, interests relating to the policy, position for or against the policy, potential alliances with other stakeholders, and ability to influence the policy process through power and/or leadership are all characteristics of stakeholders.
External Stakeholders
Patients are the key external stakeholders in healthcare. Stakeholders range significantly in terms of interest and need, support and attitude, and influence, both positive and negative. As a result, identifying and analyzing their points of view and interests is critical for the long-term success of a mission-driven joint effort. In the learning healthcare system, patients are the single most important stakeholder group. They are the ultimate recipients of the knowledge gained as well as the donors of personal clinical data. According to Fottler, Myron D. et al, “External Stakeholders who are stakeholders who are impacted or impact the Hospital, but are not employed by the Hospital”.
Evaluation of Strategies
Stakeholder evaluation is the main collection and evaluation of the data to determine which interests should be considered when establishing and/or implementing a policy or program. Policymakers and managers can use strategies to communicate more effectively with important stakeholders and gain support for a policy or program. Building positive stakeholder connections requires a well-developed stakeholder communications plan. The goal is to strike a balance and make sure that the right methods are used for the right stakeholders. “When developing a relationship with stakeholders, there should be a plan for how stakeholders' input will be solicited, gathered, and meaningfully incorporated into measure development and maintenance processes” (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, n.d.).
Conclusion
Stakeholders can influence or be influenced by the organization's actions, goals, and policies. There are two types of stakeholders, internal and external. Internal stakeholders are members of your organization's board of directors, staff, volunteers, and/or donors who have already committed to serve as board members, staff, volunteers, and/or donors. External stakeholders include clients, community partners, and others who are impacted by your work. It's critical to acquire both parties' opinions.
References
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Stakeholder Engagement. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/MMS/Stakeholder-Engagement
Fottler, Myron D.; Blair, John D.; Whitehead, Carlton J.; Laus, Michael D.; Savage G.; 1989. Assessing key stakeholders: Who matters to hospitals and why? Hospital and Health Services Administration; Winter 1989; 34, 4; ABI/INFORM Global pg. 525. Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/1300255
Lübbeke, A., Carr, A. J., & Hoffmeyer, P. (2019). Registry stakeholders. EFORT open reviews, 4(6), 330–336. https://doi.org/10.1302/2058-5241.4.180077
Medline Plus. (2021). Health Facilities. https://medlineplus.gov/healthfacilities.html