Real-Time Challenges In Healthcare Administration: A Study Across Diverse Healthcare Setups In Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Healthcare administration is a critical component in ensuring the delivery of efficient and quality healthcare services. In Tamil Nadu, healthcare administrators face numerous challenges, including financial constraints, staffing shortages, regulatory compliance, technological integration, and quality assurance. Understanding these real-time challenges is essential for developing effective management strategies to improve healthcare delivery systems. This study aimed to investigate the administrative challenges encountered by healthcare administrators across various healthcare setups in Tamil Nadu, with a focus on identifying key problem areas and exploring variations based on gender, position, and educational background. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 127 healthcare professionals in Tamil Nadu, including Chief Medical Officers, Hospital Administrators, Nursing Superintendents, HR/Finance Managers, and Consultants. The questionnaire addressed 20 critical administrative challenges rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were collected via Google Forms and distributed through social media platforms and email. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Version 25.  The majority of respondents (59.1%) were female, and nursing professionals constituted the largest educational group (45.7%). The most frequently reported challenges included financial and funding issues (56.7% strongly agree), staff shortage and attrition (52% strongly agree), legal and ethical challenges (52.8% strongly agree), and the implementation of technology (48% strongly agree). Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between gender and perceptions of financial constraints, recruitment, quality care delivery, insurance empanelment, legal issues, branding, and new service facilitation (p < 0.05). Independent sample t-tests indicated that male respondents perceived higher levels of administrative challenges in several domains. Tukey HSD analysis showed significant differences in the perception of challenges across professional roles and educational backgrounds. The study highlights multifaceted and systemic administrative challenges in Tamil Nadu’s healthcare sector, emphasizing the need for strategic interventions. Capacity building, leadership training, technological support, and policy-level reforms are essential to strengthen hospital administration and improve healthcare delivery outcomes.