STRATEGIC PLANNING IN HEALTHCARE
In a healthcare environment, strategic planning entails outlining actionable strategies required to achieve specific goals. The primary purpose of strategic planning is to align the organization actions with the its values and mission (Martin, B. C. (2018). Besides, it helps medical institutions to operate successfully with optimal standards of care towards patients. A hospital strategic plan allows for better efficiency in the day to day activities of the facility. Moreover, strategic planning assists in identifying obstacles and weaknesses, hindering the hospital from attaining its full potential. Also, it creates clarity and improves communication (Willis, G., Cave, S., & Kunc, M. (2018).
Many factors affect strategic planning including;
Operating budgets: The financial capacity of the healthcare organization determines how the strategic plan works and is created (Martin, B. C. (2018).
Company culture, goals and objectives: Every healthcare system is different and independent. The strategic plan must take into account its culture, goals and objectives.
Employees and stakeholders: These are the major contributors to the healthcare strategic plan. They determine what works well and what does not hence they are critical for the success of a strategic plan (Willis, G., Cave, S., & Kunc, M. (2018). They must also be well qualified to make a great impact.
Technology: This is an ever-changing and critical aspect in the modern world. Most healthcare activities are done using technology; hence, an excellent for consideration in planning.
Government policies: A strategic plan must take into account the healthcare policies put in place by the government for the successful execution of the program. It reduces conflicts with the government and eases healthcare institutions from many legal burdens and malpractices.
Standard tools used for future planning are Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) analysis, Political, Economic, Social, Technology (PEST) analysis and, Political, Economic, Social, Technology, Environmental, Legal (PESTEL) analysis.
REFERENCE
Harrison, J. P., & Association of University Programs in Health Administration. (2016). Essentials of strategic planning in healthcare (Vol. 1). Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press.
Martin, B. C. (2018). Strategic Planning in Healthcare: An Introduction for Health Professionals. Springer Publishing Company.
Willis, G., Cave, S., & Kunc, M. (2018). Strategic workforce planning in healthcare: A multi-methodology approach. European Journal of Operational Research, 267(1), 250-263.