In healthcare settings, there are risks involved which require immediate mitigation. Thus, there is a set of frameworks of action that should be taken to manage the risk. Five basic steps are considered in this situation and are executed in a specific sequence, thus a process. They include identification of the risk, assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and reporting of the risk. Although the risk may vary in nature, the stated process is ideal for handling all risks in medical settings.
The initial step involves the identification of the threat in the healthcare facility. The action requires proper identification of the risk because they are different types and in nature (Carrol, 2009). Among the common types include legal threats, environmental threats, and market threats. Thus, the analyzers of the threats are required to note the risks using the recommended process by the institution, such as inserting them into the system or recording them manually. Since there are many risks in an organization, the investigators must note all the possible threats in an organization. This approach will ensure that all the stakeholders are aware of the situation in the organization and can participate in the mitigation of the problem.
Secondly, after evaluating the risks, the institution will consider the possible techniques to mitigate the problem. Since there are many solutions to a problem, the institution and risk management stakeholders will consider the most appropriate approach for each risk. In cases with many risks, the process should consider a combination of the methods that mitigate the problem. However, the risks should be ranked and prioritized since different threats have different priorities depending on their nature. These problems can be evaluated using qualitative or quantitative risk assessment procedures.
Thirdly, upon unveiling all the possible solutions to all threats in the organization, the investigation team will select the most appropriate risk mitigation process. At this point, all the threats must be considered in consultation with the experts who will determine if the solution will solve the impending risks. In manual systems, the expert employees will assess the possible effects of the approach, whereas, in digital systems, it could be simulated or use secondary sources to determine the potential impact. However, only the most appropriate and practical approach will be considered over other options.
Fourthly, the selected techniques should be implemented to contain or eliminate every risk as much as possible. This step includes the risk management experts to which the risk belongs. Such legal risk should be handled by legal experts with experience in the threats (Carrol, 2009). The implementation should also consider the institution system. In manual systems, it will require physical contacting all stakeholders to discuss the problem and explain the approach considered in mitigating the problem. While implementing the techniques in the cases of many risks, there should be proper communication between each mitigation team to avoid confusion or collision of the mitigation techniques.
Lastly, the process will be ended by monitoring and improving the risk management program. Each implemented technique should solve a given problem. However, not all risks can be mitigated since some solutions might fail to address the issue. Thus, the progress of the problem-solving steps should be monitored for effectiveness. In cases where a combination of techniques was considered, its effectiveness should be assessed, and the effectiveness of the combination and possible conflict between them should be monitored. In manual systems, the monitoring could be done through tracking by diligent employees, while in digital systems, the monitoring could be done by computers and other electronic devices. If the monitoring team realizes that the method considered in solving the problem is not practical, they could implement another technique or contact relevant authorities for immediate action.
Reference
Carrol, R. L. (2009). Risk Management Handbook for Health Care Organizations. Jossey-Bass A Wiley Imprint.