A typical organizational structure of a hospital would usually be a combination of a hierarchical and divisional structure, since there is a chain of command where some levels are under another level, but employees are organized in departments or divisions that have their own tasks. At the top of the structure would be the administrators, followed by the information services and the therapeutic services, both of which are usually at the same level. Diagnostic services are also alongside the aforementioned divisions, along with the support services. If the organization structure of a hospital would be drawn, it will likely resemble a pyramid, with only a few leaders at the top and more subordinates in the lower levels.
The topmost level of the administration services consists of the people who usually own and operate the hospital as a business enterprise. They are responsible for imposing policies and the budget according to the needs of the patients and employees. Often, these people are called board of directors, executive officers, presidents, and vice presidents. Department heads such as in the chief surgeons and pediatricians, can also be considered part of the administration services.
Below the administration services are the information services, responsible for documenting all necessary paperwork in any hospital activities. This includes obtaining the patient’s information when being admitted, medical and family records, and the receipt of expenses incurred during the hospital stay. All documents are usually filed using a computerized system that makes for easier retrieval and sorting. The information services department is also in charge of keeping staff-related documents, recruiting new employees, and conducting seminars to educate both staff and patients about new issues and health news. Staff under this level can include receptionists, secretaries, and marketing specialists.
The organizational structure of a hospital also includes a group of therapeutic services, perhaps most recognized by patients as it involves the doctors, surgeons, and therapists who directly treat the patients and their conditions. Aside from the usual doctors who cater to the physiological conditions of the patients, the therapeutic services also includes people who help patients with other needs, such as psychologists, therapists, dieticians, and even social workers. Nurses can also be a part of this group, monitoring the patients when doctors are not available.
Diagnostic services is the division responsible for machines and laboratories. In order to be treated properly, patients might have to go through a series of tests and extraction of samples, such as blood and urine tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Samples and images usually go through laboratories and diagnosticians for analysis, so the real cause of an illness is identified, and doctors can administer proper treatment.
Completing the organizational structure of a hospital is the support services that make sure the medical supplies are plentiful, machines are in good working condition, and the hospital is clean and functioning. Staff under this division would include engineers, electricians, and janitors. All of the mentioned divisions are important, and the loss of one can incapacitate a hospital’s ability to serve patients. These divisions also work with and depend on one another to keep the hospital running smoothly.