In support of medical secretaries

Hooke, Rachel

doi:10.1136/bmj.i590

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…The medical secretary occupation was officially known as the doctors’ secretary who provided administrative ease for doctors (Bertelsen and Nøhr, 2006). In today’s healthcare system, the medical secretary plays a crucial role (Medford, 2013; Hooke, 2016) in supporting the workflow, regularity and serviceability of the healthcare system (Medford, 2013). By performing administrative tasks medical secretaries enable clinicians to devote more time to their patients (Kennedy, 2016), thereby contributing to the efficiency of workplace routines (Hooke, 2016).…”

Section: Theoretical Conceptsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous research indicates that medical secretaries are the bridge between the systematic delivery of healthcare and healthcare delivery as a "service", suggesting that the occupation is needed for much more than just transcribing dictations and "paperwork" (Hooke, 2016;Morgan, 2022). Moreover, the digitalisation of healthcare is anticipated to heighten the significance of the medical secretary occupation (Bossen et al, 2014), prompting a need for a re-evaluation of the occupation's role (Morgan, 2022).…”

Section: Medical Secretariesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Medical secretaries’ fears and opportunities in an increasingly digitalised workplace environment

Qvarfordt,

Lagrosen,

Nilsson

2024

JHOM

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PurposeThe purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore how medical secretaries experience digital transformation in a Swedish healthcare organisation, with a focus on workplace climate and health.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design based on grounded theory, with qualitative data collection (a Quality Café and individual interviews) followed by quantitative data collection (a questionnaire).FindingsFour categories with seven underlying factors were identified, emphasising the crucial need for effective organisation of digital transformation. This is vital due to the increased knowledge and skills in utilising technology. The evolving roles and responsibilities of medical secretaries in dynamic healthcare settings should be clearly defined and acknowledged, highlighting the importance of professionality. Ensuring proper training for medical secretaries and other occupations in emerging techniques is crucial, emphasising equal value and knowledge across each role. Associations were found between some factors and the health of medical secretaries.Research limitations/implicationsThis study adds to the knowledge on digital transformation in healthcare by examining an important occupation. Most data were collected online, which may be a limitation of this study.Practical implicationsSeveral aspects of the medical secretaries’ experiences were identified. Knowledge of these is valuable for healthcare managers to make digital transformation more effective while avoiding excessive strain on medical secretaries.Originality/valueMedical secretaries are expected to contribute to the digitalisation of healthcare. However, minimal research has been conducted on the role of medical secretaries in workplace digitalisation, focusing on workplace roles and its dynamics.

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