In an era of infinite challenges and finite resources, health systems must employ a rigorous approach to strategic and facility planning. This is particularly true for oncology, where the pace of change and innovation is unprecedented.
For most cancer programs, realizing strategic aspirations requires growth—whether to create scale or support capital investment. Below are practical strategies for cancer program growth planning.
A growth-in-place strategy focuses on increasing market share within an established service area.
• Develop strategies and tactics for site-specific pro¬grams.
• Invest in modernizing the program (to keep up with community standards) and differentiating it from competitors (from either a clinical or aesthetic perspective).
A regional expansion strategy focuses on expanding the geographic area served.
• This is typically considered once an organization has attained high levels of performance in its existing service area and clinical portfolio.
• When contemplating regional expansion, organizations must address three factors:
- Where to expand
- Number of new sites desired
- Development strategy (i.e., build versus buy)
• In addition to expansion via construction or purchase of new facilities, organizations should consider enhanced outreach via telemedicine or telehealth.
This is part of an ongoing series from ECG Management Consultants about strategic considerations for health systems as they create new cancer facilities. Click here to read the next blog in the series. For more information, visit ECG’s website.