Scientific Management Tools and its Relevance in Healthcare Sector in the Present Scenario

Globalization of health and healthcare, opening up of economy, participation of private players in healthcare sector, more developing nations are keen to develop this sector in line with that of developed countries to make a mark on the global healthcare. The need of the hour is to implement scientific techniques in healthcare for better results. In this regard, a study is made on the scientific management theory and techniques developed and adopted by F W Taylor popularly known as “the father of the scientific management theory” and its relevance in the present healthcare environment are discussed. The principles laid down by F W Taylor that the relationship between the employer and employee and their functions the goals of the employer, the functions of the employee in healthcare holds good to certain extent. Due to the advancement of technology like Information Technology, Data Base, Cloud Computing more sophisticated equipment doing specialist’s job have changed the nomenclature of Scientific Management Techniques. However, the main principles of selection, training, absorption, functions of each section of the organization are still holds good. A detailed discussion in the article these subjects namely the relevance of Taylor’s Scientific Management Techniques in the present healthcare environment and their applicability/usage are all discussed and suggestions are made wherever it is necessary.

Unlike other organizations, healthcare facility is case specific and no two procedures are alike and the functions are strictly related to humans by humans. Though the main goal of any organization is profits on the investment made and healthcare is none to second in this regard, the only difference being in healthcare the product is nothing but a service and the provider should give proper service to the satisfaction of the receiver; means since the product is intangible and cannot be produced and stored, while the consumer (patient) comes to the healthcare facility to get a relief from his/her discomfort/ailment to the facility, the provider/professional suggests a procedure if that is accepted by the receiver it will be carried out that means the consumer goes to the providers facility receives the procedure and goes home free from discomfort that means production, consumption and absorption of the service product will take place in providers place and it is case specific. All these aspects in addition to the modifications that are needed without changing the well knitted fabric of the main principle of Taylor that holds good are also discussed. On observation it is found that Taylor’s scientific management techniques are relevant and incorporated in the present healthcare system for optimum results. No method/principle/theory is full proof but they have to be incorporated with modifications and redesigning them to suit a particular environment but the main motive of profit for performance will never change.