Bridging Worlds: The Future of the Heathcare Strategist
Executive Summary
Healthcare is in the midst of a radical transformation, and the rate of change is accelerating. While the general direction of this transformation is widely understood, the future of the industry is clouded with uncertainty.
Every type of healthcare organization is experiencing significant change. Today, hospitals and health systems face new challenges from non-traditional competitors like retail players and technology startups, among others. At the same time, they are grappling with additional challenges that are altering business-as-usual practices, such as the shift from fee-for-service to fee-for-value; the transition of patient volume and revenue from inpatient care to other non-hospital-based endpoints; market consolidation; and the need for asset divestiture, just to name a few.
A sharp focus on patient-centric, high quality care is no longer enough to stay competitive. Every aspect of the industry is becoming increasingly complex.
While hospital and health system executives establish the strategic vision for their organizations, healthcare strategists—including planners, marketers, communicators, physician relations professionals, and business developers—play a central role in helping their organizations navigate amidst uncertainty and complexity to both shape and execute that vision.