The current healthcare industry is characterized by rapid, innovative advancements and changes based on the technology-based modern society. In the next several years, the approach to medical management is likely to change and shift to the increased implementation of technology in the patient-centered healthcare system. With this said, the future healthcare tech-savvy environment will be focused on patient empowerment, including the use of 3D printing, wearable biometric devices, and GPS tracking.
The environmental analysis encompasses four critical processes, including scanning, monitoring, forecasting, and assessing. These processes contribute to the development of directional strategies in a particular healthcare organization. According to Ginter, Duncan, and Swayne (2018), the scanning process “categorizes, organizes, accumulates, and evaluates” the examined environmental issues (p. 40). In addition, the monitoring step tracks the environmental trends and events, while the forecasting process lays the groundwork for projected changes. Assessment is the final step, which determines the potential opportunities and threats.
In terms of the health maintenance environment, assessment is the most pivotal process in articulating and defining the new environmental change. The evaluation of the specific environmental modification facilitates the “forecasting competence” of the healthcare institution and, thus, promotes its competitive advantage (Ginter et al., 2018, p. 42). Following the introduction of new technologies in medical management focused on monitoring, research, and healthcare availability, it is essential to assess its safety and reliability in treating patients.
Given that the assessment process helps develop strategic alternatives based on community needs and the organization’s ability to deliver the change, it is a vital step in implementing technology-oriented healthcare. To conclude, every process of the environmental analysis in strategic healthcare management is accountable for the forthcoming innovative measures and changes in the medical system. Most importantly, each of the anticipated changes in healthcare must meet the organizational demands and increase patients’ engagement in taking a more active role in their care.
Reference
Ginter, P. M., Duncan, W. J., & Swayne, L. E. (2018). The strategic management of health care organizations. John Wiley & Sons.