Evaluation of strategic choices is important. The methods for selecting strategic alternatives help leaders organize significant issues to support decision making. However, it is important that the techniques do not make the decision. Rather, leaders should use the techniques to reveal the inherent situation and to organize their thought processes. This assessment provides you with an opportunity to evaluate and apply some of the techniques for successful strategy development and implementation.
Note: You will use your care setting environmental analysis as the basis for developing your strategic plan in this assessment.
The feedback you received on your care setting environmental analysis has been positive. Consequently, you have been asked to select one of the potential improvement projects you noted in your analysis and create a full, 5–10-year strategic plan to achieve the desired quality and safety improvement outcomes. You will develop your strategic plan, using either an AI approach (addressing the design stage), or by building on your SWOT analysis and applying a strategic planning model of your choice.
How you structure your plan should be based on whether you are taking an appreciative inquiry approach or using a specific strategic planning model. Regardless of the approach you choose, the requester of the plan has asked that you address the key points outlined below in the strategic plan requirements. In addition, your plan should be 5–8 pages in length.
Note: As you revise your writing, check out the resources listed on the Writing Center’s Writing Support page.
As you prepare to complete this assessment, you may want to think about other related issues to deepen your understanding or broaden your viewpoint. You are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of your professional community. Note that these questions are for your own development and exploration and do not need to be completed or submitted as part of your assessment.
Strategic planning models aid in setting goals, establishing time frames, and forging a path toward achieving those goals. Consider the strategic planning models you are familiar with:
- Which model would you choose to create goals and outcomes that could address the area of concern you identified in your Assessment 1 SWOT analysis?
- Why is this model the best choice among alternatives?
- How does goal setting through appreciative inquiry provocative propositions differ from goal setting in the strategic planning model you selected?
- Develop strategic goal statements and outcomes that reflect specific quality and safety improvements for your care setting. You should have at least one short-term goal (just-in-time to one year) and one long-term goal (five years or longer).
- Determine realistic timelines for achieving your goals.
- Explain how your short-term goals support your long-term goals.
Note: For plans based on an AI approach, the goal statements and outcomes are provocative propositions that may be refinements of the positive, yet attainable, goals that you proposed during the dream phase of your inquiry. For plans based on a SWOT analysis, the goal statements and outcomes are specific, measurable, and applicable to the area of concern in your analysis for which you proposed pursuing improvements.
- Justify the relevance of your proposed strategic goals and outcomes in relation to the mission, vision, and values of your care setting.
- Analyze the extent to which your strategic goals and outcomes, and your approach to achieving them, address:
- The ethical environment.
- The cultural environment.
- The use of technology.
- Applicable health care policies, laws, and regulations.
- Explain, in general, how you will use relevant leadership and health care theories to help achieve your proposed strategic goals and outcomes.
- Consider whether different theories are more applicable to the short-term or long-term goals of your strategic plan.
- Evaluate the leadership qualities and skills that are most important to successfully implementing your proposed plan and sustaining strategic direction.
- Identify those leadership qualities and skills that are essential to achieving your goals and outcomes and sustaining strategic direction.
- Identify those leadership qualities and skills that will have the greatest effect on the success of your plan.
Strategic Plan for Quality and Safety Improvement
Introduction
The strategic plan outlined in this document is developed based on the environmental analysis conducted for our care setting. Given the positive feedback received, we have selected a critical improvement project focusing on enhancing patient safety and quality of care. This plan will span 5-10 years, structured using a strategic planning model derived from our SWOT analysis. The goal is to create a comprehensive approach to achieve the desired quality and safety outcomes.
Strategic Planning Model
Chosen Model: Balanced Scorecard (BSC)
- Rationale: The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is an ideal choice for our strategic planning as it integrates financial and non-financial performance measures. This model supports our holistic approach to quality and safety by balancing various perspectives—financial, customer, internal processes, and learning and growth.
- Comparison with Appreciative Inquiry: Unlike Appreciative Inquiry, which focuses on identifying and amplifying positive aspects through provocative propositions, the BSC provides a structured framework to set and measure specific, quantifiable goals. This approach aligns with our need for detailed monitoring and evaluation of progress.
Strategic Goals and Outcomes
Short-term Goal (1 year):
- Goal: Reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) by 20%.
- Outcome: Implementation of rigorous infection control protocols and staff training programs.
- Timeline: Achievable within 12 months.
- Support for Long-term Goals: Immediate reduction in HAIs sets a foundation for a sustained culture of safety.
Long-term Goal (5-10 years):
- Goal: Achieve zero HAIs and maintain this standard.
- Outcome: Continuous improvement in infection control practices, adoption of advanced technologies, and regular staff retraining.
- Timeline: Gradual reduction over five years, with consistent monitoring and adjustment.
Alignment with Mission, Vision, and Values
Our strategic goals align with our care setting’s mission to provide safe, high-quality care, our vision of becoming a leader in patient safety, and our values of integrity, excellence, and continuous improvement. Achieving these goals will reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional care.
Analysis of Strategic Goals and Approach
Ethical Environment:
- Ensuring patient safety is a fundamental ethical responsibility. Our goals prioritize minimizing harm and improving patient outcomes.
Cultural Environment:
- Promoting a culture of safety and accountability is crucial. Engaging staff in regular training and fostering open communication about safety practices are key components.
Use of Technology:
- Incorporating advanced infection control technologies, such as UV sterilization and electronic health record (EHR) monitoring, supports our goals.
Health Care Policies, Laws, and Regulations:
- Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding infection control will be strictly maintained. Our strategies will be aligned with guidelines from bodies like the CDC and WHO.
Leadership and Health Care Theories
Relevant Theories:
- Transformational Leadership: Essential for motivating and inspiring staff towards achieving both short-term and long-term goals.
- Systems Theory: Useful for understanding and managing the complex interactions within our care setting.
Application to Goals:
- Short-term Goals: Transformational leadership will drive immediate improvements by engaging staff and fostering a sense of urgency and accountability.
- Long-term Goals: Systems theory will help in creating sustainable changes by analyzing and optimizing interrelated processes.
Leadership Qualities and Skills
Essential Qualities and Skills:
- Visionary Thinking: Crucial for setting long-term strategic goals.
- Effective Communication: Ensures clear dissemination of goals and expectations.
- Analytical Skills: Important for evaluating progress and making data-driven decisions.
- Adaptability: Allows for adjustments in strategies as necessary.
Impact on Success:
- Visionary Thinking: Guides the overall direction and ensures alignment with our mission and vision.
- Effective Communication: Engages and aligns the entire team towards common goals.
- Analytical Skills: Facilitates continuous improvement through regular assessment and refinement of strategies.
- Adaptability: Enhances our ability to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.
Conclusion
This strategic plan outlines a clear and actionable path towards achieving significant quality and safety improvements in our care setting. By leveraging the Balanced Scorecard model, aligning our goals with our organizational mission and values, and utilizing relevant leadership theories, we are well-positioned to make substantial progress over the next 5-10 years. Effective leadership and a strong commitment to our strategic direction will be critical to our success.