INOVA Fairfax Hospital

INOVA Fairfax Hospital
Foundations of Strategic Planning Paper
Background Information/Introduction
In healthcare, strategic planning entails organizations outlining the actionable procedures required to achieve specific objectives. Whereas there is a diverse range of strategy levels and types, all the strategies are tailored to align an organization’s actions to its stated values and mission. As noted in the background information of the case study prompt, strategic planning can be accomplished by employing a diverse range of panning instruments depending on what is being planned and based on the desired end product. In order to maintain optimal functionality, healthcare organizations have made continuous improvement efforts to ensure sustainability. In the same breath, volatile changes within the health system environment constantly challenge healthcare facilities’ strategic planning landscape and efforts. Accordingly, leading organizations believe that integrating geographically distinct organizations, allocating resources for long and short-term planning, and developing focused teams are more vital than ever. In addition, strategic planning constantly entails an integrated framework with a series of strategic techniques like gap analysis and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. This paper will analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in INOVA Fairfax healthcare facility and propose other strategic tools that could be incorporated into the planning process.
Part 1: Use of SWOT Analysis and Gap Analysis
A SWOT analysis within the health care context is essential for strategic planning based on the hospital’s strategy. As a strategic planning tool, SWOT analysis offers a more objective and realistic assessment to discover the critical external and internal issues facing the health care organization. In addition, the health care organization can use this analysis to refresh the tactics and strategies of their marketing program. SWOT analysis is incorporated in analyzing organizations’ internal strengths and weaknesses, their growth and performance opportunities, and external environment threats affecting their survival. SWOT analysis commences with a base assessment of utilization rates, patient satisfaction figures, outcomes measurement, financial status, and excellent performance mechanisms (Harrison, 2016a). The first step is collecting crucial information like community health statistics, medical technology status, organization funding sources, population demographics, and capability of the organization in the region (Harrison, 2016b). The data is then categorized into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The technique is accompanied by a force field analysis which helps a firm identify forces hindering the perceived changes. Force field analysis helps implement internal changes that push quality, patient satisfaction, and improved working conditions.
Gap analysis is used to supplement and refine SWOT analysis in strategic planning. It is used to distinguish between the firm’s current position and target performance. Organizations understand where to focus their efforts while enhancing interventional efficiency (Harrison, 2016a). ...