The fourth quarter of the year is an excellent time to evaluate your strategic plan accomplishments and to identify or confirm your 1997 strategic focus.
The field of strategic planning has evolved since its rapid growth in the 1970s. In health care today, strategic plans generally cover a two year time period.
Key components include market research, particularly external feedback from physicians and referrals sources, and a strong emphasis on implementation and execution.
The following approaches are helpful in preparing your strategic focus:
Strategic Planning Retreat Strategic planning retreats provide an opportunity to step back from
daily operations and review the efficacy of your strategic direction. Retreats generally start with an environmental scan of the market often based on updated
market research. The retreat should conclude with specific next steps to confirm three to four key strategies and the development of actionable plans.
Market Research To prepare your annual strategic focus it may be helpful to research demand, competitor activity, and
managed care penetration, or survey key physicians and referral sources regarding satisfaction with your services.
Feasibility Studies and Business Plan Development Feasibility studies are conducted to evaluate new services or programs
or new geographic territories. A feasibility study can lead to business plan development for a new service or program.
Implementation Plans A well developed annual implementation action plan will allow evaluation and monitoring of tactical
implementation plans. Each key strategy is broken into implementation steps with timeframes and person(s) responsible identified.
Pyrce Healthcare Group has extensive experience in assisting organizations in developing strategic plans and in updating and refining existing plans through retreat
facilitation and market research. For a copy of a flowchart illustrating our strategic planning approach, e-mail Pyrce Healthcare Group at
phg-inc@ix.netcom.com
