Summary of the Case
The case of Southern NeuroScience Center (SNC) shows how institutions can benefit the most from Health Services Planning (HSP). The institution used a powerful strategy in order to achieve its goals. The first step was to collect the required data. This approach made it easier for the consultants to monitor the performance of the hospital. The consultants “analyzed SNC’s medical practices, financial statements, and personnel policies” (Thomas, 2003, p. 361). The consultants conducted several interviews to understand the issues affecting the hospital. The team also “analyzed the paper flow and patient flow” (Thomas, 2003, p. 361). The consultants observed that majority of the neurosurgeons were unhappy with their working conditions. The level of communication also affected the quality of medical services.
The planning team also prioritized the objectives of the institution. The main objective was to increase the number of physicians in the facility. The team also identified different actions in order to support the facility’s objectives. The next stage was to implement the targeted plan. The team created a powerful implementation matrix. The team also identified the right individuals to execute the plan. The deadline for completing the project was also identified. The consultants also present the best resources for the project. The matrix determined “who was to do what, at what time, and how to do it” (Thomas, 2003, p. 365). The team also created a powerful vision for SNC. The team also invented a strategic future for the facility. A powerful mechanism was also created to track the progress of the implementation plan.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The agreeable fact is that the consultants focused on the best practices to have a powerful plan. The project relied “heavily on primary research” (Thomas, 2003, p. 363). The survey also analyzed the experiences of patients in different competing facilities. The plan is also comprised of powerful competitive analysis. The team evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of every competitor. The consultants also analyzed the appropriateness of every site. This strategy “made it easier for the firm to reconsider the site for two of its satellite operations” (Thomas, 2003, p. 363).
A SWOT Analysis was also undertaken to understand the issues determining the hospital’s performance. This knowledge made it easier for the managers to understand the existing opportunities and strengths. However, the consultants did not analyze most of the issues associated with the institution’s external environment (Thomas, 2003). This weakness made it impossible for the institution to deal with competition. The time plan for the project was also less effective. The planning team failed to use a Gant Chart (GC) in order to monitor every role.
My Personal Views
Healthcare planners should borrow numerous ideas from the case of Southern NeuroScience Center (SNC). The consultants used the best approaches in order to come up with a powerful plan. The team also identified the major strengths and gaps affecting the organization. The above SWOT Analysis identified the major factors supporting the organization’s goals. That being the case, every planning team should identify the best strategies in order to make the targeted organization successful. The team should identify the challenges affecting the targeted medical staff. Consultants should also gather the relevant feedbacks from different employees (Thomas, 2003). A vision is also relevant for every organization. I have borrowed numerous Health Planning (HP) ideas from the presented case study. Consultants should also use customized actions whenever implementing the best strategic plans. The above practices can make every implementation strategy successful.
Reference
Thomas, R. (2003). Health Services Planning. New York, NY: Springer.