Discussion Guidelines

• Post the initial response to each discussion by 11:59pm, EST, Wednesday, Day 3.
• Initial responses are to be original in content and demonstrate a thorough analysis of the topic, 300 words

W2: Strategy Fundamentals for Coastal Medical Center

Must post first.

The Discussions in this course are meant to help you prepare your final project. Please choose one of the following questions and answer as it relates to the Coastal Medical Center Comprehensive Case Study, found on pages 1-30 in Essentials of Strategic Planning in Healthcare.

1. Many stakeholders described the past CEO of CMC, Don Wilson, as a visionary who helped the organization grow and prosper for more than 20 years. His successor, Ron Henderson, took the organization from profitability to significant financial losses within two years and was fired as a result. Name five areas in which Mr. Henderson's performance was weak.

2. Of the five areas of new business initiatives to improve performance, which one should be the first priority?

3. How is CMC positioned relative to its competitors?

4. How should CMC create new and innovative approaches to community needs?

W3: Healthcare Marketing and Technology

Must post first.

The Discussions in this course are meant to help you prepare your final project. Please choose one of the following questions and answer as it relates to the Coastal Medical Center Comprehensive Case Study, found on pages 1-30 in Essentials of Strategic Planning in Healthcare.

1. CMC is experiencing declining inpatient and outpatient volumes. Develop a list of five marketing initiatives to improve clinical workload.

2. Who should be involved in developing the CMC marketing plan, and at what point in the planning process should you consult them?

3. CMC failed to plan for investment in HIT. Develop a list of three HIT systems the center should consider implementing and the impact they could have on the organization.

4. Who should be involved in IT strategic planning, and at what point should you involve them?

W5: Politics, Ethics & Business

Must post first.

The Discussions in this course are meant to help you prepare your final project. Please choose one of the following questions and answer as it relates to the Coastal Medical Center Comprehensive Case Study, found on pages 1-30 in Essentials of Strategic Planning in Healthcare.

1.Would developing an IDS allow Coastal Medical Center (CMC) to improve the efficiency and quality of its healthcare services?

2. Name five areas in which CMC has some components of an IDS already in place. Next, develop a list of five new areas or activities that CMC could successfully integrate into a health system.

3. Would an IDS improve CMC's negotiating power with managed care organizations (i.e., insurers)?

4. From your perspective, does CMC need to develop an IDS, or does it just need a quick fix for its operational problems?

W6: Quality, Safety and Patient Experience

Must post first.

The Discussions in this course are meant to help you prepare your final project. Please choose one of the following questions and answer as it relates to the Coastal Medical Center Comprehensive Case Study, found on pages 1-30 in Essentials of Strategic Planning in Healthcare.

1. Appendixes C and G of the Coastal Medical Center (CMC) comprehensive case study provide Hospital Compare data for CMC and its competitors in the local market. How does CMC's quality compare with that of its competitors? List five areas in which CMC's value could be improved.

2. Should CMC expect to receive a pay-for-performance (P4P) bonus for its quality scores?

3. Should value-based purchasing be incorporated into CMC's strategic planning process? Outline a process that will allow CMC to take advantage of future value-based purchasing initiatives.

4. What type of organizations should CMC use as benchmarks?

5. How will you know whether the CMC plan to increase healthcare value is a success?

Final Assignment: Creating a Strategic Plan for Coastal Medical Center