The cosmetic surgery follows the process shown in the diagram below in our organization.
The first step in the process of conducting cosmetic surgery in our organization is holding the first consultation meeting with the client. The consultation meetings are held between the specially-trained patient care co-ordinators and the clients. The patient care coordinators’ role is offering support and guidance to the patients accordingly. They explain to the clients various aspects of the procedure such as the following: the procedures provided at the facility, the appearance of patients before and after each procedure, and the possible cost of each procedure among other issues.
This step does not rely much on technology. The step also requires simple tools such as pen and notebook where some information can be recorded. The consultation should be conducted according to the code of ethics contained in the organization’s handbook. For example, the patient care coordinator is expected to exhibit politeness and courtesy while dealing with the client. The patient care coordinator should also uphold all the ethical principles while dealing with the patient. The organization’s code of ethics also prohibits giving false information to the clients. This step can only proceed once the patient indicates the willingness to move forward with the surgery. Otherwise, the patient care coordinator is expected to thank the client for visiting the facility and request the customer to visit the facility in future in case of any need before seeing the client out.
The second step is conducted only when the client is willing to have the cosmetic surgery performed. In this step, the patient care coordinator arranges a meeting between the client and the surgeon. During the meeting, the surgeon and the patient discuss the surgery further. Besides, the doctor conducts the patient history and screens the patient. The surgeon also seeks to know the client’s expectation and informs the client about the possibility of achieving them. The client can also be given more time to make a decision. In this case, the clients can also choose to take home a copy of the patient guide to help them in making an informed decision.
Technology is used in the consultation step in the organization in various ways. For example, PowerPoint presentations are used to demonstrate different aspects of the services offered at the facility. The activities conducted during this stage are also guided by the organizations’ code of ethics. In this case, the surgeon is expected to be polite to the client. Besides, the surgeon is supposed to uphold the principles of ethics during the consultation. Given that this stage involves consultation, the surgeon and client are expected to discuss all issues relevant to the client’s need concerning the services offered by the facility. The clients are also free to forgo surgery at this stage. In case the client chooses not to undergo the procedure, he should be released and requested to come next time whenever the need arises. The client is also informed about how and when to make payments for the services offered at this stage.
The next step is the pre-operation screening stage. This stage involves the testing and examination of the client to ensure that the client is physically fit for the procedure and can stand the anesthetic used in the procedure. The screening process involves blood tests and other relevant tests. This step involves the use of technology in various ways. The activities in this stage are guided by a particular protocol to which all surgeons are expected to adhere. The surgeons enjoy a significant level of autonomy while doing their work. However, supervision is occasionally conducted to assess the extent to which they adhere to the protocol. All surgeons are also expected to follow the code of ethics guiding all the operations in the facility. In this case, they are expected to uphold all the principles of ethics while conducting various procedures. For example, they should grant the clients the autonomy to choose the surgeon who they prefer. Besides, the doctors should inform the clients of every aspect of the procedures performed in the facility and give them a chance to decide the aspect of the procedures that they prefer.
In the last stage, surgery is performed. At this stage, the client has already been informed of every aspect of the operation. Besides, the client is expected to have been informed of the goals that the procedure is meant to achieve and the extent to which the procedure will meet the needs and expectations of the client. Besides, prior discussions before this stage also involve the duration that the surgery is expected to take and how the client should manage various symptoms that may arise due to the procedure. The procedures are guided by specific protocols that the surgeons are expected to follow. Besides, the surgeons are expected to uphold high standards of ethical behavior while performing the procedures. The stage also relies significantly on technology in various ways. Indeed, several cosmetic procedures rely on technologies, which make them more efficient and effective. Some of the new forms of technology used in the cosmetic procedures at the facility include the following: Endoscopic Facelift, Laser Skin Resurfacing, and Smartlipo for liposuction among others. Endoscopic Facelift, however, is not recommended for the elderly because skin redundancy is common among the elderly (Guyuron and Kinney, 2012, p. 108). Laser Skin Resurfacing is a procedure intended for reducing skin irregularities. It is beneficial in various ways. For example, it allows for the control of the depth of penetration (Florida Medical Association., 2000).
The following metrics measure the success of the cosmetic surgery workflow in our organization: waiting time, the number of clients at each step, and patient satisfaction level. The effectiveness of metrics partly depends on how clearly it defines performance (Muralidharan, 2012). Waiting time defines performance clearly. Consequently, it is an effective parameter. The number of clients at each step of the process is also important in measuring the effectiveness of the workflow. The level of satisfaction of patients shows the overall outcome of the process. It is measured using a tool developed by the organization.
There is the need for improving the last and the second last stages of the workflow. One of the means through which this can be achieved is expanding the workforce needed to handle the number of patients. Sufficient breaks help improve the morale of employees (Bynum, 2005; Hilgenkamp, 2005). Consequently, it can contribute to improving the efficiency of the workflow. Due to the significant role of technology in improving efficiency, there is the need to employ more forms of technology in all the stages of the workflow to improve the performance and effectiveness. Being aware of the flow of activities at the workplace in beneficial in several ways. For example, it makes it possible to trace the source of inefficiency or an error (In Duffy, 2016).
References
Bynum, J. W. (2005). Quality: A Total Management Concept: a Philosophical Approach. AuthorHouse.Top of Form
Florida Medical Association. (2000). The Journal of the Florida Medical Association. Jacksonville: Journal of the Florida Medical Association.Top of Form
Guyuron, B., & Kinney, B. M. (2012). Aesthetic plastic surgery video atlas. Maryland Heights, Mo.: Saunders/Elsevier.Top of Form
Hilgenkamp, K. (2005). Environmental health: Ecological perspectives. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
In Duffy, V. G. (2016). Digital Human Modeling: Applications in Health, Safety, Ergonomics and Risk Management: 7th International Conference, DHM 2016, Held as Part of HCI International 2016, Toronto, ON, Canada, July 17-22, 2016, Proceedings.Bottom of FormTop of Form
Muralidharan, K. (2012). Statistical methods for quality, reliability and maintainability. Place of publication not identified: Prentice-Hall Of India Pv.
