Strategic planning in hospitals in two Australian States: An exploratory study of its practice using planning documentation

Abstract

Hospitals are under pressure to respond to new challenges and competition. Manyhospitals have used strategic planning to respond to these environmental changes. Thisexploratory study examines the extent of strategic planning in hospitals in twoAustralian States, New South Wales and Victoria, using a sample survey. Based onplanning documentation, the study indicated that 47% of the hospitals surveyed didnot have a strategic or business plan. A significant difference was found in thecomprehensiveness of the plans between the two States. Plans from Victorian hospitalshad more documented evidence of external/internal analysis, competitor orientation and customer orientation compared with plans from New South Wales hospitals. The paper discusses the limitations of the study and directions for future research.