Reimagining proactive strategic planning toward patient-centered care: processes and outcomes in a medical school's department of family and community medicine

Abstract

Purpose

A detailed strategic planning process is presented that entails several beneficial and effective strategies and goals for interdisciplinary academic, clinical and/or service departments. This strategic planning process emerged due to the need to adapt to organizational and structural changes within an institution of higher medical education.

Design/methodology/approach

A strategic planning framework was developed, along with an inclusive process that used an appreciative inquiry methodology, to examine past and present strengths and potentials in a diverse, interdisciplinary family and community medicine department.

Findings

The success of this strategic plan and relevant approaches is evidenced by the development of a community medicine course, student-run free clinic to meet the needs of underserved patients, an increase in primary care research and increase in student choice of family medicine as specialty choice.

Research limitations/implications

The described strategic planning process serves as an illustration of the benefits and limitations of identified approaches and outcomes useful for other departments and organizations undertaking similar efforts.

Originality/value

The integration of multiple goals and a shared vision in a strategic planning process leads to successful program development and meeting the needs of future healthcare professionals and the patients and communities they serve. The authors have provided a model for such success.

Citation

Aultman, J., Kingsbury, D., Baughman, K., Fischbein, R. and Boltri, J.M. (2020), "Reimagining proactive strategic planning toward patient-centered care: processes and outcomes in a medical school's department of family and community medicine", International Journal of Health Governance, Vol. 25 No. 3, pp. 223-233. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHG-03-2020-0017