Strategic capacity definition
IQVIA Health Flow
Calculation of the capacity needed to achieve the strategic objectives
Integral capacity management starts with a strategic framework:
It is essential for an organization to first have a clear strategic framework within which it will implement integral capacity planning
In this way, you not only come to realistic production agreements for the coming year, but you also have even more financial control
If a hospital has not explicitly thought about its value proposition, there is a high chance that capacity optimization will take place with the wrong goal in mind
Tactical capacity planning
Assessment of capacity demand and redefinition of needed capacities
The final production agreements are translated into a capacity calendar:
Mid-term decision-making on the (re)allocation of shared capacities
Furthermore, the KPIs are monitored, and bottlenecks are identified and, if necessary, adjusted accordingly
Capacity management stands or falls with a good decision-making structure. Numbers are needed, but they do not make decisions on their own. Focus on integral meetings, communication, and management is necessary
Operational capacity planning
Capacity planning based on real-time and predictive insights
The daily operations are monitored with the aim of utilizing the released capacities as optimal as possible:
Departments gain control and look beyond their boundaries to meet the (changing) healthcare demand
Predictive insights enable anticipation of potential capacity problems
In addition to meeting forms, protocols (such as in the event of an impending capacity shortage) are also an important means of control for an organization
Operational capacity monitoring
Monitoring of critical parameters and identification of opportunities for improvement
Monitoring certain data and processes is crucial to achieving successful capacity management:
To work in a data-driven way, it is important to have sufficient and high-quality data
Based on monitoring and outcomes of certain processes, improvement projects can be defined
If data is inaccurate or unreliable and processes are not streamlined, this can lead to incorrect decisions and inefficient use of resources
Tactical capacity evaluation
Monitoring of critical parameters and identification of opportunities for improvement
Tactical evaluation is an important means to timely adjust and achieve goals:
Calculation of future effects of tactical choices on production and available capacities
Prediction of the degree of realization of the proposed (strategic and tactical) plan
Failing to adjust capacity in a timely manner can lead to longer waiting lists, an increase in workload, a decrease in the quality of care, and inefficient use of people and resources
Systematic capacity improvement
Implementation and embedding of the capacity improvements
Implementing and anchoring capacity improvements is the final and crucial step in successful capacity management:
Implementing improvements identified during the evaluation and monitoring the hospital's performance
If the hospital is unable to embed the improvements into the organizational culture, there is a risk that the improvements are not sustainable and dependent on individual employees
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