Analyze the current internal and external driving forces affecting the healthcare industry.
Develop strategic goals for various levels of a healthcare organization.
Compare strategic thinking, strategic planning and strategic momentum.
Action Items
Conduct research regarding the current internal and external driving forces affecting the healthcare industry.
Write a paper (recommended minimum of 6 pages) in which you:
Identify a healthcare organization within your local area (Columbus) or region (Ohio).
This should be the same healthcare organization that you have chosen for your capstone assignment. (Note: you will revisit this organization in future assignments.)
Discuss the current driving forces that impact the system. Some of these include key competitors, governmental health policies, information systems and technologies; clinical and non-clinical workforce, population demographics, local economic climate, etc.
Conduct a brief analysis of the external environment of the system including the general environment, the service area, and the healthcare environment (see Exhibit 2-2, p. 42 in your textbook).
Use SMART criteria to write a strategic corporate goal that responds to the driving forces you identified. Justify the goal using information from your external analysis.
Write SMART goals for each major level of the organization (refer to Exhibit 1-5, p. 26, in your textbook).
Distinguish and explain the concepts of strategic thinking, strategic planning, and strategic momentum that are unique to each organizational level as they relate to the strategic goals that you wrote.
Current Internal and External Driving Forces Affecting the Healthcare Industry
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, driven by a variety of internal and external forces. Some of the most important driving forces affecting the healthcare industry today include:
Internal driving forces:
External driving forces:
Strategic Goals for Various Levels of a Healthcare Organization
Healthcare organizations need to develop strategic goals that address the internal and external driving forces that are affecting the industry. Strategic goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Here are some examples of strategic goals that healthcare organizations may develop at various levels:
Organizational level:
Departmental level:
Individual level:
Comparing Strategic Thinking, Strategic Planning, and Strategic Momentum
Strategic thinking is the ability to see the big picture and to identify the forces that are shaping the future of an organization and its industry. It is about being able to think creatively and to develop innovative solutions to challenges.
Strategic planning is the process of developing and implementing a plan to achieve an organization’s strategic goals. It involves identifying the resources and capabilities that the organization needs to achieve its goals, and developing strategies to acquire and deploy those resources and capabilities.
Strategic momentum is the ability of an organization to execute its strategic plan and to achieve its strategic goals. It is about having the drive and the determination to see things through, and to overcome any obstacles that stand in the way.
Strategic thinking, strategic planning, and strategic momentum are all essential for the success of healthcare organizations in today’s rapidly changing environment.
Healthcare Organization in Columbus, Ohio
Mount Carmel Health System is a large healthcare organization in Columbus, Ohio. It consists of four hospitals, a network of ambulatory care centers, and a variety of other healthcare services. Mount Carmel Health System is committed to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to the people of Columbus and surrounding areas.
Strategic Goals for Mount Carmel Health System
Here are some examples of strategic goals that Mount Carmel Health System may develop at various levels:
Organizational level:
Departmental level: