Answer

Elements of a Risk Management Program

A risk is defined as any situation within the workplace or at home, that exposes people to danger and harm. Kavaler and Spiegel (2013) observe that within the health care environment, patients and staff are constantly exposed to risky situations. This includes contact with infected blood, machine failures, and general workplace accidents among other risks. As a result, it is mandatory for health care organizations to formulate and implement risk management programs. This essay therefore documents elements of risk management for new employees in a health organization. In order to achieve this objective, the paper is subdivided using four questions.

Q1.         Steps for Presenting a Risk Management Program to New Employees.

                The process of establishing a risk management program and effectively implementing it has become a norm for most organizations. Specifically, risk management has become a key concern for organizations within the health and social care sectors. In order to enhance risk management, the government has introduced initiatives such as the Compliance Ethics Program which is aimed at regulating risks (Edmead 2007; Kavaler & Spiegel 2013). The Ethics program stipulates steps for presenting risk management programs to new employees. First of all, the new employees have to be made aware of standards and procedures. These two aspects represent internal controls which include personal qualifications that will enable a person conduct their job professionally. The second step is towards presenting a management programs is by ensuring that the organization has competent leadership promoted by organizational culture.

The third step is by excluding employees who do not support the risk management program. Fourth, the organization has to train and educate new employees on risk management. The sixth step is conducting constant monitoring, evaluation and auditing of risk management programs to establish their effectiveness in curbing recurrent and emerging risks. Seven, in order to reinforce the application of learnt procedures and policies, the organization can introduce disciplinary measures and performance incentives to motivate new employees into taking initiative (Edmead 2007). This step entails rewarding employees who actively participate in enforcing risk management. The final step is conducting periodic risk assessments to identify instances of improper conduct which could hinder the risk management program.

Q2.         Compliance with the American Society of Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM).

ASHRM is a non-profit membership group affiliated to the American Hospital Association (AHA). This society is involved in regulating workplace conduct in health care organizations by educating members of patient safety, risk management, law, finance and insurance among other professional topics. ASHRM has stipulated compliance standards that have to be adhered to in order to promote innovative and effective risk management (ASHRM 2011). The society emphasizes on risk management strategies such as advocacy, education, interactions, networking and recognition among leading health and social care organizations. It also internetworks with government agencies in health related departments. Compliance standards set by ASHRM stipulate that organizations have to educate, train and empower new employees on safety standards, procedures and precautions. Their duty is focused on promoting the implementation of an effective and safe patient care practices. Similarly, ASHRM develops and implements effective and safe patient and professional care practices which enables organizations to preserve financial resources while equally maintaining a safe working environment (ASHRM 2011). The stipulated steps for presenting risk management programs are in line with ASHRMs recommendations.

Q3.         Proposed Recommendations for Inclusion in the Program that would further improve the Program or Meet Compliance.

In order to meet compliance requirements as stipulated by the American Society of Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM), it is prudent for the organization to review current risk management program. Edmead (2007) recommends that the most practical approach to improving risk management programs is through formulating organizational procedures, policies and regulations. It is important that organizations wanting to improve their risk management practices have to provide a foundation against which employees can learn how to manage risks. The best way towards integrating such as practice into the organization is by enforcing policies and practices that encourage employees to take initiative. For instance, organizational policies emphasizing on risk management and safety precautions within the workplace are important in directing the working of employees (OSHA 2015). Such regulations direct employees on how to conduct themselves when faced with emergencies and risky situations.

The organization needs to emphasize on the creation of a risk management culture where all employees are drilled and constantly updated on situations that led to risky contact within the organization. The formulation of organizational objectives could be enhanced through mass education and training on how people could prevent injuries in case of emergencies or disaster. Risky places and activities have to be identified and employees, together with users of health and social care services need to be taught on the best alternatives to averting such risks in future. On the side of the management, it has to ensure that the buildings are properly ventilated and fitted with surveillance systems as well as safety equipment which can be used in the event of emergencies. Additionally, Kraus (2010) points out the need for partnership working whereby the organization could work collaboratively with risk management organizations and agencies in ensuring that they contain and avert current and future risks.

Q4.         Examine the Administrative Process of Managing Risk Program.

Risk management programs often take on conventional procedures. Kwamina and Daniel (2013) note that the administrative process entails following a standard methodology which could be important in guiding and mitigating against potential risks. Given the fact that the health and social care environment is prone to myriads of risks, it is mundane that organizations begin the administrative process by following the following steps. The first step is known as risk identification. This step entails listing down all the potential risks that are likely to happen within the work environment. Within the health and social care setting, such risks include failure of machines, improper ventilation, unhygienic environment and other personal risks which could lead to loss of life, or physical incapacitation. The second step is evaluating severity of risks. Garvey (2008) notes that not all the risks identified in the first step will require mitigation and intervention. As a result, it is important to prioritize risks based on their likelihood of occurring, prevalence, and frequency. The intensity of loss could range from injury, loss of property and reputation or reducing the efficiency of the organization.

The third step is selecting the best technique for managing risks. There are alternative approaches to risk management such as insurance, risk transfer through contracts and even risk avoidance. The fourth step towards risk administration process entails implementing the best technique for risk management. The management, working together with concerned departments and employees will need to implement these techniques in order to manage identified risks (Kwamina & Daniel 2013). This process involves assigning responsibility to employees based on their previous history and contributions towards risk management. These risk management teams will be required to implement and manage identified risks. The management will take up the responsibility of monitoring and evaluating results while updating the risk management profile for the health and social care organization.

In conclusion, this essay highlights key elements of risk management programs. These programs are proposed and endorsed by groups such as the American Society of HealthCare Risk Management (ASHRM). This organization involves its members in stipulating compliance policies which guide the implementation of a risk management program. This paper acknowledges eight steps that can be helpful in presenting risk management programs to new employees in health care organizations.

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