by Christopher Cornue
Over the past several months, I've noticed a significant shortage of a very important role in hospitals--that of the strategist or planner. These are the folks that understand the market dynamics, the new innovative approaches to care, niches that may exist for evolving technology and are able to collaborate with leadership to develop a vision for the organization's future.
I believe this type of individual is absolutely necessary for the success of an organization, especially during this "economic downturn"--what better way for a hospital to stay ahead of their competition and leverage ripe opportunities for growth, new service development and revisions of current services than to have dedicated folks remain one step ahead of everyone else.
In these turbulent times, while the leadership is busy ensuring that patients have the best experience/outcomes, cost-control efforts are in place, employee/physician morale remains high, and the organization can weather the storm, it's critical that another individual is able to dedicate time and energy to parallel these efforts. Too often, this is one of the first individuals to be made redundant, or let go when the cost saving efforts turn to labor.
I know of several independent hospitals where this has occurred. I argue that this is one of the last individuals that should be let go for the reasons already stated. Hospital strategists and planners are becoming a rare animal out there, and I think it's time we protect this endangered species!
Comments:
Yet, there might be alternative way to calculate the financial impact. At ER patient walkout (without being seen) project that I had worked on, we successfully decreased the walk out by xx%. We finalized the project by realizing the $$ savings (walkout volume decreased * per patient saving). The board was quite impressed with the results.
I also applaud for this post. Strategist plays a key role in the healthcare decision making and business development process, especially at this critical time period of healthcare reform. I am working on being part of an exciting team in which I have strong faith.
In strategic planning there is direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy, including its capital and people. Various business analysis techniques can be used in strategic planning, including SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). It is very important in carrying a systematic plan that need to be implemented within the company. Anyway, Worrying about unsecured loans and bills seems pithy when compared to worrying about whether it will be too cold to survive the night or where your next meal will come from.
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