As we already know, OSS stands for Social Health Organization, a non-profit entity responsible for managing one or more units of the Unified Health System (SUS). Since its contracts are established through qualification in public processes, it must meet specific requirements and maintain management standards to remain eligible for these agreements.
However, it is important to consider that, being part of the healthcare sector, it faces the same challenges as other institutions in the field, in addition to those typical of a management entity.
Main Challenges Faced by OSS
- Cultural Resistance:
One of the main challenges for a Social Health Organization (OSS) is the resistance from individuals who were already working at the institution before the new management took over, as well as from new professionals who may not fully understand the role of an OSS. Many departments may question its operations, conduct, even transparency.
This is a common reaction but can become a major challenge for the company responsible for management.
However, as with other changes discussed in different topics on this blog, this transition must be addressed gradually and incorporated into the organizational culture so that everyone understands they are working toward a common goal: the success of the healthcare institution.
2. Transparency and Accountability:
Transparency in management and accountability is another area that may become a challenge and lead to ideological differences, potentially fueling cultural resistance.
Tools that enable transparent management, provide access to information, and promote regular accountability meetings are excellent opportunities to overcome this hurdle.
3. Productivity and Quality:
Like any other healthcare institution, OSSs must strike a balance between productivity and quality.
The main challenge lies in maintaining high standards of care while constantly striving to reduce costs—without compromising service quality or patient safety.
One solution is to optimize organizational processes and focus on continuous improvement.
4. Proof of Quality:
It is essential to demonstrate the quality of the services provided, as well as the effectiveness of actions taken, in order to gain the trust of regulatory bodies and the institution’s patients.
Quality can be demonstrated through indicators, best practices, and most importantly, through certifications such as Accreditation.
5. Adaptation to Reality and Needs:
OSSs often manage more than one healthcare institution, which may or may not be geographically close.
Therefore, they must be prepared to adapt to different regional realities and demands, including the specific epidemiological needs of each state, for example.
Responses to these needs must be swift, and work plans and goals must evolve accordingly. An effective Risk Management system can help streamline and expedite the response time.
It is important to note that these are specific challenges faced by OSSs. In addition, they must also deal with broader challenges common across the healthcare sector, such as a shortage of specialized professionals, complex legislation and regulations, and the constant need to focus on patient-centered care, among many others.
Strategies for Management Optimization
The first and most important strategy is strengthening OSS governance through the adoption of compliance practices, well-defined and solid requirements for selecting leaders, integrity programs, and the development or reinforcement of organizational culture.
Once that foundation is in place, the organizational culture must be disseminated across all involved institutions. This is where education and training come in—for both managers and other professionals—ensuring that everyone is aligned with the new standards.
Continuing education programs also strengthen the relationship between employees and the OSS, while helping maintain the quality standards expected by the sponsoring organization.
Processes must also undergo review and evaluation, aiming for alignment and, most importantly, optimization of existing procedures. It’s worth noting that organizations with clearly defined processes reduce issues like rework and resource waste.
The adoption of technologies and innovations in the healthcare field can significantly support these and many other essential strategies to ensure effective OSS management. Integrated management software, such as Interact Suite SA, offers increased control, greater transparency in management, and facilitates the integration of indicators across all managed institutions.
Interact Solutions Offers Solutions for Your OSS
Among Interact’s range of solutions, the most sought after by healthcare institutions is Quality Management. It features a modern and agile system designed to ensure full alignment, resulting in greater security in the pursuit of management excellence and the achievement of certifications and accreditations.
This solution integrates strategic management through action plans and performance indicators, document management, incident management, audits, and risk control.
These five modern and efficient tools provide increased security for organizations aiming for excellence in management, as well as the attainment of certifications and accreditations such as ISO, ONA, or JCI.
Visit our website to discover how to optimize the management of your OSS with Interact Suite SA.
