However, external pressures that will eventually force change in the system continue to build. Unsustainable cost growth and uneven quality of care cannot continue.
In the face of a rapidly changing business environment, many progressive healthcare delivery organizations are now seeking a path to become "high-performance" health systems. A high-performance health system can be defined as one that helps everyone lead longer, healthier, and more productive lives.
To achieve such a system, four core goals must be met:
- Access to care for all
- Safe, high-quality care
- Efficient, high-value care
- Continuous innovation and improvement
To achieve this status, many healthcare organizations will have to change dramatically to become true "health systems," instead of facilities that focus on curing the sick. Finding more efficient ways to reduce purchasing and operating costs will be required.
Meeting marketplace and regulatory demands will also be factors in transforming the organizations. Healthcare organizations that can develop and effectively execute their plans will thrive, while those that cannot will struggle and eventually be absorbed by more effective competitors.
The systems that support the effective execution of strategy are well known and practiced by many of America's more successful corporations spanning various industries and sectors. These systems can be used to successfully manage healthcare delivery organizations as well.
Four key components lead to effective execution:
- Developing a focused strategic plan.
- Applying contemporary business methods of execution.
- Leading individuals and the organization for effective change.
- Achieving an integrated system for execution.
This article is based on the book 'Make It Happen.' The book summary is available online at Business Book Summaries.
