Step 1: Strengths

Identify three examples of what your organization (or product or service) does better than (or at least equivalent to) the competition.

• Specific product attribute advantage: Your organization may have a specific product or service that is superior to the competition in some way. For example, you may offer a newer, more effective treatment for a particular disease.
• Brand perceived value: Your organization may have a stronger brand reputation than the competition. This could be due to your organization’s long history of providing high-quality care, your commitment to innovation, or your focus on customer satisfaction.
• Company’s customer service: Your organization may have a reputation for providing excellent customer service. This could include things like having friendly and helpful staff, making it easy for patients to schedule appointments and get their questions answered, and following up with patients after their appointments.

Step 2: Weaknesses

Identify three examples of weaknesses inside your organization (or products or services) that impact your ability to compete in the health care market.

• Culture: Your organization may have a culture that is not conducive to innovation or change. This could make it difficult for your organization to keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the healthcare industry.
• Patient safety: Your organization may have a history of patient safety incidents. This could damage your organization’s reputation and make patients less likely to choose your organization for their healthcare needs.
• Lack of board-certified specialists: Your organization may not have enough board-certified specialists in certain areas. This could make it difficult for your organization to attract and retain patients who need specialized care.
• Shortage of nurses: Your organization may be facing a shortage of nurses. This could make it difficult for your organization to meet the needs of your patients and provide high-quality care.

Step 3: Opportunities

Identify three examples of opportunities inside your organization from a standpoint of competing with other health care organizations.

• Magnet status: Your organization may be a Magnet-designated hospital. Magnet status is a prestigious recognition that is awarded to hospitals that meet high standards for nursing excellence. Magnet status can help your organization to attract and retain top-quality nurses, which can improve your ability to provide high-quality care.
• Telehealth services: Your organization may offer telehealth services. Telehealth services allow patients to receive care from their doctors and other healthcare providers remotely, using video conferencing or other technologies. Telehealth services can be convenient for patients and can help your organization to reach a wider range of patients.
• E-check-in prior to arrival: Your organization may allow patients to check in for their appointments electronically before they arrive. This can save patients time and make the check-in process more efficient. E-check-in can also help to reduce the workload on your staff.

Step 4: Threats

Identify three examples of events that could threaten the organization’s (or product or service’s) standing in the market.

• Changes in government regulations: Changes in government regulations could have a significant impact on your organization’s bottom line. For example, changes to Medicare reimbursement rates could make it more difficult for your organization to provide certain services.
• New entrants into the market: New entrants into the healthcare market, such as retail clinics and urgent care centers, could pose a threat to your organization. These new entrants may offer lower prices or more convenient locations than your organization.
• Changing patient preferences: Changing patient preferences could also pose a threat to your organization. For example, patients may become more interested in holistic or integrative medicine approaches, which could lead to a decrease in demand for traditional medical services.

Conclusion

By conducting a SWOT analysis, you can identify your organization‘s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This information can help you to develop strategies to improve your organization’s competitiveness and achieve your goals.