Healthcare Industry and the effects of Globalization
jebby....@gmail.com
I recently read a book, "The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman. This
was a very popular book that basically discusses the latest
technological advances and how that effects everyone around the world,
not just Americans. Mr. Friedman believes that the world has
"flattened" due to the development of fiber optic cables, internet,
and various other world events like the collapse of the Berlin Wall.
He actually lists out 10 specifc events that led to the "flattening"
of the world.
A major part of the discussion in the book related to India and how
this country has taken advantage of these technological developments
to turn their countries man/brain power into a very rich resource.
Many companies are actually actually outsourcing their help desk to
India and various countries. Some hospitals even have contracts with
radiologists and other health care services to analyze patients that
are halfway around the world. My questions is, does this mean that in
order to be cost effective and most efficient, we have to embrace
these new technologies and ideas? Do we need countries like India?
Will the old way of doing business even work anymore? How vital is
International collaboration today?
If there any members from this group working in Hospital operations,
how is are these changes effecting your business? What are the
advantages you see for your organization?
drom...@gmail.com
wrote:
> Good Morning everyone,
>
> I recently read a book, "The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman. =A0This
> was a very popular book that basically discusses the latest
> technological advances and how that effects everyone around the world,
> "flattened" due to the development of fiber optic cables, internet,
> and various other world events like the collapse of the Berlin Wall.
> He actually lists out 10 specifc events that led to the "flattening"
> of the world.
>
> A major part of the discussion in the book related to India and how
> this country has taken advantage of these technological developments
> to turn their countries man/brain power into a very rich resource.
> Many companies are actually actually outsourcing their help desk to
> radiologists and other health care services to analyze patients that
> order to be cost effective and most efficient, we have to embrace
> Will the old way of doing business even work anymore? How vital is
> International collaboration today?
>
> If there any members from this group working in Hospital operations,
> advantages you see for your organization?
I have had discussions with friends about this book. Thomas Friedman
hits on very significant events in history that has led to
techological globalization. With almost any new idea or process, we
have to consider the pros and cons. Outsourcing processes to other
countries can have negative effects. There are companies that have
brought their call center processes back to America because customers
were having trouble with dealing with foreigners over the phone. When
thinking about outsourcing and globalization, we have to factor in
cultural differences. Of course there are probably more pros than
cons when it comes to the globalization initiated by technology.
The example about the radiologists, that's telemedicine, right? I
think telemedicine has many benefits. It brings together
professionals with different perspectives and ideas, which all breeds
creativity. Healthcare quality can improve if there is more
collaboration.