Annual Report, Essay Example

Introduction

Hospitals are comprised of many different departments which contribute to successful operations at all levels. This practice requires an effective understanding of clinical departments and needs so that the quality of patient care is optimal at all times. These clinical areas must work cooperatively with each other and with administrative teams so that all areas of operations are efficient and effective in all areas of operations. Roles and responsibilities must be clearly identified and should provide significant support for the improvement and expansion of patient care and treatment for all population groups. The following discussion will identify and summarize ten different clinical departments in greater detail in an effort to better understand the type of patient care and other services that are provided in these areas.

Dermatology

The most common dermatological conditions include alopecia, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, warts, scabies, and many others, including more serious conditions such as melanoma and skin cancer (American Academy of Dermatology). A number of procedures are widely used in this department, including mole and cyst removal, surgery, biopsies, allergy testing, and skin cultures (Skinsight). Laboratory testing and evaluations are conducted to determine if more serious conditions are prevalent, and common dermatological specialists include general surgeons and cosmetic surgeons who work to correct cosmetic conditions and accommodate other related needs. Dermatologists work with patients from many different population groups and offer specialized tools, advice, and support to meet their needs as best as possible.

Oncology

Oncology teams identify and evaluate many different forms of cancer, such as cancers of the breast, colon, liver, pancreas, prostate, brain, and many other organs and systems. Oncologist teams work directly with patients to perform biopsies, order laboratory tests, perform surgeries, and provide a variety of treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy. This group diagnoses cancer in different forms, establishes treatment plans, and perform surgeries in cases where this approach is warranted. Oncologists are specialists in their own right and provide significant clinical support and guidance to patients facing cancer in different forms. Oncologists perform some of the most challenging roles in medicine, as cancer continues to be a devastating disease on many levels. Oncologists work to overcome these barriers and to provide patients with an opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing with the ultimate objective to achieve permanent remission.

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterologists examine disorders of the upper and lower digestive system, including such conditions as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, colitis, acid reflux, pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, and gastroenteritis, amongst others (The Merck Manual). Services provided in this area include diagnostic and laboratory testing, surgery, and treatments as necessary. Gastroenterologists are specialists in their own right and provide specific expertise and treatment in the area of gastrointestinal disorders and other concerns. Upper and lower digestive disorders are challenging and difficult to diagnose in many cases and their symptoms are common for many different conditions; therefore, these specialists must utilize their existing tools and knowledge in an effort to effectively diagnose and treat patients in a manner which improves their quality of life and prognosis over the long term.

Pulmonary

Pulmonary departments are experts in the area of the lungs and respiratory function. This group of clinicians diagnoses and evaluates such conditions as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, sleep apnea, COPD, emphysema, and lung cancers. This group utilizes such tools as thoracotomy, bronchoscopy, pulmonary function testing, imaging, pleural effusion, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic tools (The Merck Manual). Within this department, pulmonologists work with a variety of age groups and diagnostic tools to identify specific conditions which require expert treatment, including surgery as required. This group of experts also provides support to patients and address options for treatment as needed. Pulmonologists and other experts work with both children and adults in order to treat a variety of disorders which directly impact the respiratory system in different ways. Since breathing is a basic yet primal need, pulmonologists must work proactively to preserve respiratory and lung function as best as possible.

Cardiology

Cardiologists are experts in disorders of the cardiovascular system. Common cardiac conditions include myocardial infarction (heart attack), hypertension, coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, and congestive heart failure (The Merck Manual). The most common cardiovascular tests include electrocardiography (ECG), stress testing, echocardiography, cardiac imaging procedures, and cardiac catheterizations (The Merck Manual). Cardiologists serve as expert diagnosticians in the area of cardiovascular disorders and in treating these disorders on an ongoing basis. Cardiologists are some of the most important specialists at the organization because they demonstrate an effective capacity to diagnose, treat, and preserve cardiovascular health through one or more strategies. These efforts require significant knowledge and experience with cardiac patients who face a variety of challenges, as this will ensure that all possible issues are considered when aiming to achieve successful treatment outcomes for all patients. Patients who have heart attacks or cardiovascular disease require routine monitoring and evaluation so that their cardiovascular function is preserved as best as possible.

Endocrinology

Departments of endocrinology specialize in endocrine and metabolic disorders. Common disorders include thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism), type I diabetes, type II diabetes, hyponatremia, acidosis, and alkalosis (The Merck Manual). Common diagnostic and other forms of testing include hormone testing and regulation, blood glucose testing, and thyroid evaluations (The Merck Manual). In addition, endocrinologists are experts in the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with hormone and other metabolic disorders which impact their lives in different ways. These specialists perform surgeries and tests and identify the most appropriate treatments for their patients, based upon the specific characteristics of their symptoms and diagnosis.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

This department specializes in disorders of the female reproductive system and in pregnancies and births. Common conditions of the female reproductive system include cancers of the ovaries, uterus, and cervix, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as menstrual disorders and menopause (The Merck Manual). Obstetrics works exclusively with women in the areas of pregnancy, fertility, and childbirth to meet their specific health concerns and other related needs (The Merck Manual). OBGYNs perform reproductive surgeries such as hysterectomies, address fertility concerns and consider treatments, discuss pregnancy and related options, perform caesarean sections and vaginal deliveries, and manage other concerns. This group of experts utilizes such diagnostic tools as ultrasounds and pap smears to identify disorders and other problems as they arise. This group of experts provides comprehensive services across both specialties and supports the growth and development of new procedures and techniques to improve women’s reproductive health at all ages, from childhood to menopause and beyond.

Orthopedics

This department specializes in disorders of the musculoskeletal system and its surrounding connective tissues. Common disorders include joint pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, sciatica, osteomyelitis, and various tumors (The Merck Manual). Common diagnostic tools for orthopedic conditions include x-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs. Orthopedic specialists perform surgeries such as hip and knee replacements, spinal surgeries, and other bone surgeries and also advise patients regarding a variety of treatment methods across many different age groups. Orthopedic specialists often identify bone issues such as fractures and sprains and treat patients according to the severity of these conditions. In addition, this group performs highly advanced surgeries and other procedures to reset bones, address back injuries and compression problems, and improve joint mobility as needed.

Neurology

The department of neurology specializes in disorders of the nervous system. Common conditions include stroke, dementia, parkinson’s disease, amytrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and cerebral palsy, amongst others (The Merck Manual). These conditions are typically very serious and require a substantial course of treatment in order to improve patient prognoses. Common diagnostic tests include x-rays, MRIs, cat scans, and other laboratory tests. Neurologists work with patients to effectively diagnose and treat these and other disorders and monitor their progress over a period of time, as some patients require more attention than others. Neurological conditions are challenging and complex in most cases; therefore, the treatment methods that are selected must be successful to preserve lives and to improve overall neurologic function for these patients.

Conclusion

The clinical departments addressed in this discussion provide highly advanced diagnostic and treatment approaches for patients who face a variety of medical concerns in many specialty areas.  This group of clinical departments continues to play a significant role in shaping the lives of many patients through the continuum of high quality care and treatment at all levels and diagnoses, regardless of a patient’s age or medical history. Significant efforts by physicians, clinical staff members, and administrative staff demonstrate a commitment to optimizing the knowledge and strength of these departments in advancing clinical diagnoses and treatments to a new level. These efforts are instrumental in providing support to patients who face many medical challenges that require specific and advanced diagnostic and treatment alternatives over a period of time to improve their overall health and wellbeing. The organization supports these specialty departments in their efforts to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing for all patients under a variety of conditions.

Works Cited

American Academy of Dermatology. Dermatology A to Z. Web. 15 February 2013.

The Merck Manual. Cardiovascular Disorders. Web. 15 February 2013.

The Merck Manual. Gastrointestinal Disorders. Web. 15 February 2013.

The Merck Manual. Gynecology and Obstetrics. Web. 15 February 2013.

The Merck Manual. Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders. Web. 15 February 2013.

The Merck Manual. Neurologic Disorders. Web. 15 February 2013.

The Merck Manual. Pulmonary Disorders. Web. 15 February 2013.

Skinsight. Common dermatologic procedures. Web. 15 February 2013.