Develop a 3-5 page business proposal for an organizational change related to the Ambulatory Care service line (outpatient surgery) within a non-profit rural healthcare organization, and the needs for the outpatient surgery (current and future) as a base background for your proposal. HINT: pick a real organization for simplicity and availability of data. Your proposal should be written as if it will be presented to the board of directors for this organization.
Your business proposal should include the following major points:
Choose a geographic area (the USA is recommended). Define its population and the needs for the outpatient surgery (current and future) as a base background for your proposal. Discuss appropriate epidemiology markers necessary for the decision making.
Define the chain of governmental laws, regulations and internal policies directed at supporting your proposal.
Offer a change to the laws, regulations, policies or the enforcement procedures to support your proposal and directed to ensure the health equity implementation.
Provide the Board with your recommendation based on the future horizon scan. The recommendation should also be based on the trends for ambulatory surgery over the next five (5) years as well as specific to the defined area/organizational performance forecast.
Full Answer Section
Background: Needs Assessment for Outpatient Surgery in Aroostook County
- Population and Demographics: Aroostook County has a population of approximately 67,000, with a median age of 49.6 years (higher than the national average), and a 17.7% senior citizen population (significantly higher than the national average). This demographic suggests a growing demand for healthcare services, including outpatient surgery procedures suitable for an older population.
- Limited Access: Currently, residents in Aroostook County have limited access to specialized outpatient surgery services. The nearest major hospital with a comprehensive outpatient program is over 100 miles away. This travel distance creates a significant burden, especially for those with limited mobility or requiring post-operative care.
- Epidemiology Markers: Relevant epidemiological markers supporting this proposal include:
- Increased Prevalence of Age-Related Conditions: Aroostook County experiences higher rates of chronic conditions like arthritis, cataracts, and orthopedic issues compared to the national average. These conditions often benefit from outpatient surgical intervention.
- Rising Healthcare Costs: Outpatient surgery is generally less expensive than inpatient procedures, offering a cost-effective solution for both patients and the healthcare system.
Regulatory Environment
- Federal Laws: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are crucial considerations. The ADA ensures equal access to healthcare facilities, and Section 1557 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in healthcare programs and activities. Expanding outpatient surgery services aligns with these regulations by promoting accessibility for rural residents.
- State Regulations: Maine's Certificate of Need (CON) program regulates the establishment or expansion of healthcare services. Obtaining a CON ensures that new services meet a demonstrated need and avoid unnecessary duplication.
- Internal Policies: CMH's internal policies should be reviewed to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and ethical guidelines for patient care and resource allocation.
Proposal: Expanding Outpatient Surgery Services with a Focus on Health Equity
We propose a phased expansion of outpatient surgery services at CMH, focusing on procedures most desired by the community and aligning with available resources. We recommend the following:
- Phase 1: Focus on minimally invasive procedures frequently demanded by the local population, such as:
- Cataract surgery
- Arthroscopic knee surgery
- Carpal tunnel release
- Colonoscopy
- Hernia repair
- Collaboration: Establish partnerships with regional healthcare providers to enhance service offerings and consider telemedicine consultations with surgeons at distant facilities.
- Community Outreach: Conduct needs assessments and educational campaigns to inform residents about the availability of outpatient surgery services at CMH and address potential concerns.
- Financial Sustainability: Develop a cost-benefit analysis to ensure the program is financially sustainable. Explore funding opportunities from grants, community fundraising, and strategic partnerships.
Recommendation based on Future Trends and Health Equity
Outpatient surgery trends indicate a growing national preference for minimally invasive procedures with shorter recovery times, aligning perfectly with the proposed service expansion. Additionally, the aging population further strengthens the need for these services in Aroostook County.
Focus on Health Equity:
This expansion directly addresses health equity concerns by:
- Reducing Travel Burden: Residents will have access to essential procedures closer to home, decreasing travel time and associated costs.
- Promoting Preventive Care: Increased access to outpatient surgery can encourage preventive procedures, leading to improved overall health outcomes and potentially reducing future healthcare needs.
- Serving Underserved Populations: Outreach programs can ensure awareness of these services among elderly residents and those with limited transportation, promoting equitable access.
Conclusion
Expanding outpatient surgery services at CMH presents a strategic opportunity to improve healthcare access and outcomes for residents of Aroostook County, particularly the elderly and underserved populations. This proposal aligns with regulatory requirements, focuses on cost-effectiveness, and prioritizes health equity. By seizing this opportunity, CMH can solidify its position as a leader in providing high-quality, accessible healthcare services for the community.
Sample Answer
Business Proposal: Expanding Outpatient Surgery Services at Cary Memorial Hospital
Introduction
Cary Memorial Hospital (CMH), a non-profit rural healthcare organization located in Caribou, Maine, seeks to expand its Ambulatory Care service line by enhancing its outpatient surgery program. This proposal outlines the current and future needs for outpatient surgery in Aroostook County, Maine, analyzes the regulatory environment, and recommends an expansion strategy based on anticipated trends and health equity considerations.