Title:
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING NEEDED FOR HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION

Authors:
Hwangji S. Lu, USA

Abstract:

Healthcare leaders have a significant role in leading their organizations effectively and efficiently. They identify significant challenges in the external environment, strengthen the capacities of their organizations, and guide transformational change.  In the United States, healthcare has been in a state of unceasing change because of healthcare reform, changing patient expectations, shortage in the workforce, advancement in medical technology, and unexpected business disruptions in the past decade. The continual and increasingly rapid change in the healthcare landscape requires a new type of healthcare leader with unique skill sets. In response to this emerging demand, healthcare management programs need to adopt a new learning module for training healthcare managers and leaders if the 21st century. Collaborative learning provides learners the opportunity to cultivate teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It is recommended that healthcare management programs incorporate collaborative learning into their curriculum to equip future leaders with needed knowledge, skills, and competencies to guide their organizations toward a successful journey.