In the current world of technology and civilization market strategies for various services have been put in to focus, in an attempt by the service providers to secure and manage the markets for the services they offer. The current market strategy for mental health services has further been an issue; which the service providers have put in to consideration; as it will help ensure their efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of health services (Hinkle, 2008).
Considering the current trend of competition and increased legal requirements for the running of some technical businesses like the provision of mental health services; a strategic plan of action on the best positioning and distribution of mental health services institutions is of a crucial importance. In this context therefore, various articles have been written to address the strategic markets for health service providers, where they depict the rationale necessary for the marketing of health services (Hinkle, 2008).
In the article “Strategic Market Positions for Mental Health Services” by David Ambrose and Lennox Linda; the issue of strategic positioning of health services is deeply talked about. In this article, the key considerations during the positioning of a mental health service institutions include the size of population within the area selected, the availability of social and infrastructural networks and the level of civilization among the people in the area selected among others (David, 2008).
More so, this article addresses the issue of the competition level expected in the position selected for offering the mental health services in which the mental health provider has to consider the existing similar services; within the selected area to offer these mental health services. On this basis therefore, the health service provider should consider the current increasing competition levels among various individuals. This is the case because the provide should consider not providing similar services, following the increased global demand for these services as a result of the high technology and civilization among the various communities within the society (David, 2008).
The second article that addresses the issue of strategic marketing for mental health care services is called “Developmental Marketing Strategies for community Mental Health” by Mark Hayes. In this article, Hayes addresses the issue of the factors that the community health providers have to consider, so as to market their services effectively. More specifically, the article talks about the techniques that health providers for mental disorders should consider and apply so as to ensure that they give their services most efficiently (Hayes, 1984).
Perhaps, the articles stress much on the application of sophisticated and the most efficient equipments necessary for the improvement of the services to be provided. Considering the current technological world, the article stipulates the use of very efficient clinical equipments within the provision of mental health services; so as to compete effectively within the current highly competitive world (Hinkle, 2008).
Generally, the two articles are inter-related in the sense that; the key concept stressed in the two books for health service providers is the way they can attain an optimum marketable position within the society in the provision of mental health services. Further, this linkage between the two articles indicates a common perception to mental health services by both the service providers and their clients; in which a strategic plan by the mental health service providers is necessary so as to achieve their goals (Hinkle, 2008).
As it has been observed, a good marketing plan for mental health provision is necessary as a consideration will be given to the available competitors, the availability of clients and the use of sophisticated clinical equipments; in the pursuit of achieving the set goals and objectives.
Reference list
- David, A. (2008). Strategic Market Positions for Mental Health Services. Springer New York 15(1), 5-9.
- Hayes, M. (1984). Developmental Marketing Strategies for Community Mental Health. Health Marketing Quarterly 1(2), 57– 66.
- Hinkle, A. (2008). A Marketing Strategy for Consultation and Education Services. Springer New York 9(2), 10-12.