Journal of Healthcare Administration and POLICY

The Journal of Healthcare Administration and Policy serves as a professional development platform for graduate students enrolled in the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program at Charter Oak State College in New Britain, Connecticut. Through direct, hands-on experience with manuscript preparation and scholarly publication, students cultivate the research, analytical, and professional writing skills essential for leadership roles in healthcare administration. The Journal complements students' advanced coursework in healthcare management and policy while providing meaningful exposure to the standards and practices of academic publishing.

Each issue features original research manuscripts by MHA students, the culminating product of their required Capstone course. Topics are student-selected and faculty-approved, reflecting each author's professional interests and areas of expertise within the field. The resulting works demonstrate both scholarly rigor and practical insight — representing the breadth of contemporary healthcare administration and the diverse backgrounds of our student body.

The Journal follows a structured indexing system in which volumes correspond to academic years, and issues correspond to semesters, ensuring consistent organization and ease of reference for readers and researchers alike. The current volume features article visualizations produced with the assistance of generative AI technology, reflecting the Journal's commitment to embracing emerging tools in healthcare administration education and scholarship.

All manuscripts are freely accessible online through the Journal's website, professionally designed and developed by Tara Vermette of Tru Blue Design. While all published works are available at no cost to readers, they remain protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © Journal of Healthcare Administration and Policy.

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This study examines the factors that influence job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover among healthcare employees in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, employing a mixed-method approach that combines a literature review with survey data from healthcare employees. The research investigates the relationship between organizational and managerial support, workload management, and employee retention. The survey results revealed a concern for retention, as most respondents (67%) felt appreciated; however, half indicated that they would leave their positions within a year. Overall, the study identifies the correlation between employee well-being and the quality of patient care and recommends strategies to address these challenges. These strategies include implementing regular mental health support services, managing workloads effectively, and establishing clear communication channels between management and employees. Although limited by the sample size, this research provides insight to healthcare managers seeking to reduce employee burnout and turnover problems. Strategies such as mental health support, workload management, and effective communication can create a healthy work environment that supports both healthcare workers and patients.
Volume 4
|
Issue 1
By:
Maranda
Bradley
This study examines the factors that influence job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover among healthcare employees in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, employing a mixed-method approach that combines a literature review with survey data from healthcare employees. The research investigates the relationship between organizational and managerial support, workload management, and employee retention. The survey results revealed a concern for retention, as most respondents (67%) felt appreciated; however, half indicated that they would leave their positions within a year. Overall, the study identifies the correlation between employee well-being and the quality of patient care and recommends strategies to address these challenges. These strategies include implementing regular mental health support services, managing workloads effectively, and establishing clear communication channels between management and employees. Although limited by the sample size, this research provides insight to healthcare managers seeking to reduce employee burnout and turnover problems. Strategies such as mental health support, workload management, and effective communication can create a healthy work environment that supports both healthcare workers and patients.
Published:
June 6, 2025
View Manuscript
Timely and efficient access to healthcare is a key driver of patient satisfaction, yet many systems continue to face challenges related to appointment delays and complex scheduling processes. This study examines how scheduling efficiency, including triage systems, appointment wait times, and ease of booking, impacts patient satisfaction. The central hypothesis posits that more efficient scheduling results in higher satisfaction levels. Using a mixed-methods survey, data were collected from individuals who had scheduled medical appointments within the past six months. Participants reported on waiting times, scheduling difficulties, satisfaction, and access to care. Descriptive analysis revealed a mean satisfaction score of 2.44 regarding waiting times, with 64% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction. A mean score of 2.96 for scheduling ease indicated moderate difficulty, with 40% reporting scheduling challenges. Inferential statistics revealed a strong negative correlation between waiting times and satisfaction. Patients waiting more than one month were significantly more likely to be dissatisfied. While traditional scheduling methods (e.g., phone calls) were most common, they were associated with greater difficulty, and only 24% of participants expressed an interest in alternative technologies. Most participants (76%) prioritized shorter wait times, followed by 68% who desired more appointment options. These findings suggest that operational improvements, such as expanding provider capacity and optimizing scheduling workflows, may be more effective than solely investing in new technologies. The results also indicate a compound effect in which long wait times and scheduling difficulty significantly reduce satisfaction. This study highlights how structural barriers in scheduling can impact healthcare equity and underscores the need for system-level reforms to enhance patient access and experience. Keywords: scheduling efficiency, patient satisfaction, triaging process, traditional scheduling methods, system-level changes.
Volume 4
|
Issue 1
By:
Danielle
Eremita
Timely and efficient access to healthcare is a key driver of patient satisfaction, yet many systems continue to face challenges related to appointment delays and complex scheduling processes. This study examines how scheduling efficiency, including triage systems, appointment wait times, and ease of booking, impacts patient satisfaction. The central hypothesis posits that more efficient scheduling results in higher satisfaction levels. Using a mixed-methods survey, data were collected from individuals who had scheduled medical appointments within the past six months. Participants reported on waiting times, scheduling difficulties, satisfaction, and access to care. Descriptive analysis revealed a mean satisfaction score of 2.44 regarding waiting times, with 64% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction. A mean score of 2.96 for scheduling ease indicated moderate difficulty, with 40% reporting scheduling challenges. Inferential statistics revealed a strong negative correlation between waiting times and satisfaction. Patients waiting more than one month were significantly more likely to be dissatisfied. While traditional scheduling methods (e.g., phone calls) were most common, they were associated with greater difficulty, and only 24% of participants expressed an interest in alternative technologies. Most participants (76%) prioritized shorter wait times, followed by 68% who desired more appointment options. These findings suggest that operational improvements, such as expanding provider capacity and optimizing scheduling workflows, may be more effective than solely investing in new technologies. The results also indicate a compound effect in which long wait times and scheduling difficulty significantly reduce satisfaction. This study highlights how structural barriers in scheduling can impact healthcare equity and underscores the need for system-level reforms to enhance patient access and experience. Keywords: scheduling efficiency, patient satisfaction, triaging process, traditional scheduling methods, system-level changes.
Published:
June 6, 2025
View Manuscript
The contemporary healthcare system faces an unprecedented staffing crisis characterized not by empty hospital rooms but by vacant positions on staffing schedules. This qualitative study examines how staffing shortages affect healthcare delivery and worker wellbeing, focusing on burnout and retention challenges. A survey of 15 healthcare professionals across three primary care offices in Connecticut found that 53.33% of respondents reported significant burnout, with 46.67% feeling overwhelmed by their workload daily. Analysis revealed that shortages stem from both internal organizational factors (inadequate compensation and a lack of professional development) and broader external pressures (an aging population, the COVID-19 aftermath, and limitations in the educational pipeline). The findings suggest that successful retention strategies must address the workplace environment and systemic healthcare challenges. Recommendations include implementing regular feedback mechanisms through Press Ganey surveys, ensuring appropriate resource allocation for adequate staffing, and developing comprehensive retention programs. Although limited by sample size, this study offers valuable insights into the experiences of frontline healthcare workers and provides practical approaches to mitigating the ongoing staffing crisis.
Volume 4
|
Issue 1
By:
Victoria
Swanson
The contemporary healthcare system faces an unprecedented staffing crisis characterized not by empty hospital rooms but by vacant positions on staffing schedules. This qualitative study examines how staffing shortages affect healthcare delivery and worker wellbeing, focusing on burnout and retention challenges. A survey of 15 healthcare professionals across three primary care offices in Connecticut found that 53.33% of respondents reported significant burnout, with 46.67% feeling overwhelmed by their workload daily. Analysis revealed that shortages stem from both internal organizational factors (inadequate compensation and a lack of professional development) and broader external pressures (an aging population, the COVID-19 aftermath, and limitations in the educational pipeline). The findings suggest that successful retention strategies must address the workplace environment and systemic healthcare challenges. Recommendations include implementing regular feedback mechanisms through Press Ganey surveys, ensuring appropriate resource allocation for adequate staffing, and developing comprehensive retention programs. Although limited by sample size, this study offers valuable insights into the experiences of frontline healthcare workers and provides practical approaches to mitigating the ongoing staffing crisis.
Published:
June 6, 2025
View Manuscript