Colin O’Sullivan, MSM Doctor in Health Administration Central Michigan University November 6, 2007 IMPROVING THE VIABILITY OF REGIONAL HEALTH ALLIANCES Through the identification of Critical Success Factors

2 Agenda Regional Health Alliances – Purpose of Study Critical Success Factors (CSFs) The Study Research Question and Objectives Data Collection and Methodology Benefits of Study Next Steps

Regional Health Alliances – Purpose of Study 3

4 Description of Regional Health Alliances Regional Health Alliances – Strategic alliances are loosely coupled arrangements among existing organizations that are designed to achieve some long-term strategic purpose not possible by any single organization. (Ginter, Swayne and Duncan, Strategic Management of Healthcare Organizations)

5 The Regional Health Alliance is Challenged Purpose – To study the regional health alliance delivery model with the specific goal of identifying what Critical Success Factors (CSFs) are necessary for regional health alliance to achieve their organizational mission and vision.

Critical Success Factors (CSFs) 6

7 “Critical success factors (CSFs) are the key areas where satisfactory performance is required for an organization to achieve its goals. Regardless of organizational type, organizational structure, or the organizational mission, organizations that implement and monitor CSFs have greater likelihood maintaining viability and achieving organizational objectives.” (John Rockhart – MIT) – CSFs are variables which, when identified and managed by an organization, will lead to success. – CSFs are not goals but factors that guide goal development and direct an organization in its planning efforts.

8 CSFs Theoretical Framework The CSF model has benefited a variety organizations: – Manufacturing – Airplane manufacturing/Steel production – Education – High School Performance – Services – Airline Industry – Health Care – Hospital Services/ER Departments Examples of CSFs: – Strong membership – Efficiency of operations – Alternative funding sources – Strong group purchasing portfolio – Staff expertise

The Study Research Question and Objectives 9

10 Study Research Question and Objectives Research Question What are the CSFs for regional health alliances to achieve and maintain organizational stability and to improve long term viability? Research Objectives Identify and catalogue the CSFs necessary for regional health alliances to achieve ongoing stability and long term viability Expand the current knowledge base of what factors contribute to regional health alliances Add to the existing knowledge base on the regional health alliance model

Data Collection and Methodology

12 Data Collection/Multi-Methods Approach Surveys Alliance Interviews Benchmark Interviews

Benefits of Study

14 Use of Study Results Study results can be utilized both locally and nationally to assist regional health alliances in achieving their organizational mission and vision; Study results will help enhance the ability of regional health alliances to build the necessary infrastructure to facilitate regional quality healthcare; Study results will provide a template for regional health alliance development; Study results will increase national awareness of strategies in the regional health alliance community to improve the quality of care in regions across the country.

Next Steps

16 Next Steps Central Michigan University Internal Review Board. Send out electronic survey –Request help from NCHN members –Need to know exactly how many survey Final Study Completed by March 1

17 Questions And Thank You!