Implementation of Affordable Care Act

Within the last 10 years, the healthcare industry has seen big changes, not only in philosophy but also with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. There have been changes in political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors that influence strategic planning. Americans desire increased quality patient care, wellness, and prevention programs. Healthcare organizations are seeing changes in volume and demographics related to their patients, along with labor and technologies related to the healthcare organization. For this assignment, select a healthcare organization from the following list: St. David's HealthcareLinks to an external site. American Academy of PediatricsLinks to an external site. Massachusetts General Hospital's Department of NeurologyLinks to an external site. Imagine you have been selected by the facility's executive committee to develop a strategic plan that aligns with the organization's mission and vision. Use critical thinking skills and research current events of your chosen organization to prepare your assignment. Assignment Instructions Write an 8-10 page strategic plan. Your plan must include the elements listed below. Note that the instructions correspond to the grading criteria for this assignment. You may also want to review the performance-level descriptions for each criterion in the scoring guide to see how your work will be assessed: Differentiate between strategic management, strategic thinking, strategic planning, and managing strategic momentum. Propose one specific analytical tool suitable for use as an adaptive strategy that will be the most effective in helping an organization achieve its strategic plan. Propose the manner and provide an example of how the selected analytical tool will be used to support the strategic proposal. Research three internal and three external factors that could become barriers to the success of the proposed strategic plan. Recommend at least one solution to each of the possible barriers to implementing your proposed strategic plan. Determine the specific segment of the market that your organization's strategic plan will target. Recommend the most effective approach to marketing your strategic plan and provide examples. Use at least three quality academic resources. Use the Basic Search: Strayer University Online Library for resources. Note: Wikipedia and similar websites do not qualify as academic resources. Meet requirements for clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting. This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the Library site for all support. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

Sample Solution

Draft Strategic Plan for Massachusetts General Hospital's Department of Neurology

1. Introduction:

This strategic plan outlines a 5-year roadmap for the Massachusetts General Hospital's Department of Neurology to solidify its position as a leading center for neurological care, research, and education. It builds upon the organization's mission of "healing, learning, and discovery" while aligning with current healthcare trends and addressing emerging challenges.

2. Differentiating Strategic Management Concepts:

Strategic Management: Ongoing process of developing and implementing strategies to achieve long-term goals.
Strategic Thinking: Creative and analytical approach to identifying opportunities and threats.
Strategic Planning: Formalized process of translating strategic thoughts into actionable plans.
Managing Strategic Momentum: Ensuring sustained focus and progress towards strategic goals.

3. Adapting to Change: Proposed Analytical Tool - Scenario Planning:

Scenario planning is a strategic tool that facilitates proactive decision-making through the development of plausible future scenarios based on current trends and uncertainties.

Full Answer Section

4. Example of Scenario Planning in MGH Neurology:

Scenario 1: Increased government funding for Alzheimer's research leads to rapid advancements in diagnostic and treatment options. MGH Neurology will:
- Develop robust clinical trial infrastructure to capture early-stage clinical trials.
- Invest in advanced imaging technologies for accurate diagnosis.
- Expand patient education and support programs.
Scenario 2: Healthcare consolidation and value-based reimbursement models prioritize cost-effectiveness. MGH Neurology will:
- Implement teleneurology initiatives for increased access and reduced cost.
- Develop multidisciplinary care pathways for efficient management of chronic neurological conditions.
- Partner with community hospitals and primary care providers for collaborative care delivery.

5. Potential Barriers and Solutions:

Internal Barriers:

Resistance to change from established staff. (Solution: Implement change management strategies, provide educational workshops, and incentivize participation.)
Silos between departments hindering collaboration. (Solution: Organize interdepartmental committees, promote shared patient databases, and encourage joint research initiatives.)
Limited resources for technology and infrastructure upgrades. (Solution: Explore public-private partnerships, pursue competitive research grants, and implement cost-saving measures in other areas.)

External Barriers:

Uncertainty in healthcare policy and funding. (Solution: Actively engage in policy discussions, advocate for neuroscience research funding, and diversify revenue streams.)
Emergence of disruptive technologies challenging traditional care models. (Solution: Embrace telemedicine and digital health platforms, collaborate with technology companies, and develop agile training programs for staff.)
Increasing competition from other academic medical centers. (Solution: Invest in unique research programs, build a strong reputation for patient care, and cultivate valuable partnerships within the neuroscience community.)

6. Target Market:

This strategic plan primarily targets the following market segments:

Patients with complex neurological conditions: MGH Neurology will leverage its expertise and advanced technology to offer cutting-edge treatment options.
Referring physicians: Expanding teleconsultation services and educational programs will strengthen relationships with healthcare providers.
Research partners and funders: Building robust research capabilities and demonstrating impactful outcomes will attract collaborations and grants.

7. Marketing the Strategic Plan:

Internal communication: Hold town hall meetings, publish newsletters, and create internal advocacy networks.
External communication: Utilize press releases, social media campaigns, and targeted advertising to reach patients, physicians, and research partners.
Academic outreach: Publish articles in scientific journals, present research findings at conferences, and host educational symposia.
Community engagement: Participate in health fairs, sponsor patient support groups, and collaborate with local organizations.

8. Conclusion:

This strategic plan provides a roadmap for MGH Neurology to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and maintain its position as a leader in the field. By embracing strategic thinking, adapting to change, and collaborating effectively, the department can achieve its goals, improve patient care, and advance the future of neurological research.

Note: This draft is approximately 2 pages long. You can expand on each section with more details, research findings, specific action plans, and financial projections to reach the 8-10 page requirement. Remember to consult relevant academic resources and cite them appropriately.

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