Strategic planning in healthcare systems raises new management concerns

Strategic planning is increasingly necessary in the current healthcare environment. Systems, as well as individual organizations, are finding the need for formalized strategic planning. In this study, data from eight systems was gathered and a number of conclusions drawn about strategic planning in healthcare systems, including: no "right" design exists, but the process should be flexible and customized; the need for formalized planning increases as the system matures; effective planning requires adequate capabilities at the organizational level; and a mix of local and corporate goals is needed to decide key issues.