The US healthcare system is grappling with various challenges that hurdle its ability to provide quality patient care, one of which is a staffing shortage motivated by burnout. Consequently, healthcare professionals who choose not to leave the bedside are also subject to burnout as they are bound to perform tasks beyond their scope to compensate for inadequate manpower.

Technological advancements also have a profound impact on the healthcare industry. Furthermore, the rapid technological evolution also means that practices must constantly adapt to new tools and software to stay ahead of the competition. While innovations exist to improve the delivery of patient care, they require significant investments in infrastructure and training, which not all practices can meet without compromise.

Additionally, the increasing use of technology and electronic health records raises data privacy and security concerns. This approach is still relatively new, and its long-term efficiency remains to be seen. Regardless of how promising most healthcare innovations are, it doesn’t help that there have been numerous data breaches in the last few years [1].

Due to these challenges, healthcare leaders must develop a strategic plan that analyzes the current state of the practice and plans for the future to overcome obstacles and create a roadmap for success.

What to Incorporate Into a Strategic Plan Model

While there are a lot of key elements to incorporate into a strategic plan model, most good ones include:

• Mission and vision statements – a concise declaration of a practice’s purpose and future aspirations;

• Strategic issues – key areas that a practice must address to achieve its mission and vision;

• Goals – the measurable targets that a practice sets for itself for growth;

• Action Plans – the specific steps to help a practice achieve its objectives.

However, most practice leaders overlook one crucial element when establishing a strategic plan model: Organizational Values.

What are Organizational Values, and Why are they Important?

Organizational values refer to the fundamental principles and beliefs that guide the approach of an organization and the people behind it. For example, having solid organizational values in a medical practice is crucial because it helps create a clear sense of purpose and direction. It can also make it easier for the practice to take actionable steps that align with its mission and vision.

Aligning personal values with workplace values decreases staff burnout and enhances the well-being of the entire organization. Moreover, values influence behavior, guide performance, and shape character. While the concept of values was introduced by Confucius over 2,500 years ago, it’s still very relevant to individuals, teams, and organizations today.

Individual Values

Values can influence people, what they believe in, and what they do because they tend to be deeply ingrained from an early age. Even if they’re unaware, values emanate from their principles and approach to specific situations. When their values align with that of the practice they work for, they will be more productive, have higher job satisfaction, and be more likely to stay for a long time.

Team Values

Discussing individual values within a team lets the practice recognize and establish shared values to enhance its overall performance. Openly discussing and aligning values promotes engagement and commitment among team members, leading to a more positive team environment, better sense of community, and decreased employee turnover.

Organizational Values

The culture of an entire medical practice is greatly influenced by organizational values. These values encompass a range of aspects, including recruiting and retaining the best healthcare professionals and virtual medical assistants. When an organization’s value aligns with its teams and individuals, a medical practice fosters commitment, enthusiasm, and drive. Consequently, the practice achieves organizational growth fueled by team members’ greater sense of purpose and dedication in what they do.

Having strong values is crucial to medical practices because it can help overcome common challenges that hinder their success. When employees are more satisfied with their jobs, they are more likely to stay with the practice for a longer period. Encouraging their drive and enthusiasm for work will also enable them to adapt to new tools and innovations.

Ultimately, medical practices that prioritize and integrate values into their day-to-day operations are better equipped to overcome challenges, drive growth and success, and provide exceptional patient care.

References

[1] “Hacks on hospital records are surging. Here’s why your medical data is vulnerable.” usatoday.com