Health Organization Evaluation |
Research a health care organization or network that spans several states with in the United States (United Healthcare, Vanguard, Banner Health, etc.). Assess the readiness of the health care organization or network you chose in regard to meeting the health care needs of citizens in the next decade.
Prepare a 1,000-1,250 word paper that presents your assessment and proposes a strategic plan to ensure readiness. Include the following:
- Describe the health care organization or network.
- Describe the organization’s overall readiness based on your findings.
- Prepare a strategic plan to address issues pertaining to network growth, nurse staffing, resource management, and patient satisfaction.
- Identify any current or potential issues within the organizational culture and discuss how these issues may affect aspects of the strategic plan.
- Propose a theory or model that could be used to support implementation of the strategic plan for this organization. Explain why this theory or model is best.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The assigned task requires a detailed evaluation of a healthcare organization or network that spans several states in the United States and assesses its readiness to meet the healthcare needs of citizens in the next decade. The aim is to prepare a strategic plan to ensure that the organization or network is fully prepared to meet the healthcare demands of the coming decade. This response will discuss the key aspects of the healthcare organization, its readiness, and a proposed strategic plan to address the identified issues, including network growth, nurse staffing, resource management, and patient satisfaction.
1. Describe the healthcare organization or network.
The healthcare organization in focus is the Banner Health, which is a non-profit healthcare system based in Phoenix, Arizona. It operates in seven states in the United States, including Arizona, Alaska, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming. Banner Health offers a broad range of healthcare services, including primary care, surgery, women’s health, emergency care, cardiac care, among others.
2. Describe the organization’s overall readiness based on your findings.
Banner Health has an above-average readiness level to meet the healthcare needs of the citizens in the next decade. The healthcare organization has made significant investments in technology and human resources, which puts it at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Their electronic health record (EHR) system is one of the best in the industry, allowing for secure and efficient sharing of patient data across different facilities. Additionally, the organization has a high rate of patient satisfaction, which indicates that patients receive quality care and services.
3. Prepare a strategic plan to address issues pertaining to network growth, nurse staffing, resource management, and patient satisfaction.
To ensure Banner Health remains prepared to meet the healthcare needs of citizens in the next decade, the following strategic plan is proposed:
a. Network growth: Increase the number of facilities under the organization in states where they are underrepresented. This approach will help to increase the organization’s reach and better meet the healthcare needs of more citizens.
b. Nurse staffing: Launch a program to recruit and retain more nurses in the organization. The program should entail offering competitive remuneration, mentorship programs, and opportunities for career growth.
c. Resource management: Implement a healthcare analytics system that tracks resource use across the organization and identifies areas where resources are expended unnecessarily. This approach will help to optimize resource allocation and reduce the cost of healthcare services.
d. Patient satisfaction: Develop a robust patient feedback system that includes surveys and focus groups. The system will allow the organization to identify areas where patient satisfaction is low and implement measures to improve the quality of care.
4. Identify any current or potential issues within the organizational culture and discuss how these issues may affect aspects of the strategic plan.
One of the potential issues that may affect the implementation of the strategic plan is the resistance to change by some staff members. This attitude may develop due to a misunderstanding of the benefits of the proposed changes or the fear of losing certain privileges or benefits. To address this issue, Banner Health needs to develop a comprehensive communication plan that outlines how the proposed changes will benefit the organization, staff, and patients.
5. Propose a theory or model that could be used to support the implementation of the strategic plan for this organization. Explain why this theory or model is best.
The Lewin Change Management Model is a theory that can support the implementation of the proposed strategic plan for Banner Health. The model consists of three stages; the unfreezing stage, where staff members are prepared for change, the change stage, where the proposed changes are implemented, and the refreezing stage, where staff members settle into the new way of doing things. The Lewin Change Management Model is best suited for Banner Health because it provides a systematic approach to change implementation that is backed by research. The model also helps to prepare staff members for change, which will reduce resistance and increase the chances of the successful implementation of the strategic plan.
