This book describes the function of planning and why it is important to decision making in healthcare organizations. It explains the origins of planning, application to healthcare, and types of plans, and reviews the practical advantages and disadvantages of planning. The book provides an overview of the strategic planning process, including fundamental steps in the process, the influence of leadership, and the impact of quality improvement. It describes each of the steps in the strategic planning process, organizational purpose and the importance of an organization's mission to its planning and operational activities. The book also introduces the importance of a situational analysis to inform future direction and plans and describes the importance of setting objectives and why there might be resistance to setting organizational objectives. It explains how to accomplish objectives through the development and implementation of strategies and operational plans. The book also presents the relationship of strategies to objectives, methods for evaluating an organization's products and services, and the role of budgeting. It describes the feedback loop in the strategic planning processs—evaluation and control. The book finally discusses the importance of viewing strategic planning as a continuous process and common tools that are used to evaluate and improve plans.
