Strategic planning: a modern tool for obstetricians and gynecologists in a competitive practice environment

The now inevitable changes in health care practice and financing have resulted in missed opportunities for physician directed improvements in medical and surgical care of patients. The process of strategic planning is the business tool that allows individuals and organizations to assess proactively the need for change and allows them to adapt and respond appropriately to a changing environment. The fundamental components of implementing a strategic plan include assessing environmental and organizational factors, defining strengths and limitations of the organization, identifying a market niche if possible, and, after establishing key objective and goals, periodically reviewing the plan to determine that goals are attained. Future success in health care will likely depend upon the ability to effectively anticipate, plan, and implement necessary changes.