Health systems transformation: Using systems thinking and assessment to strategically plan for and enhance organizational effectiveness

This session will provide an overview of a structured, assessment-driven planning process that has been used to develop highly effective health systems at the municipal, state, tribal and territorial levels that has increased their ability to achieve desired population–level health outcomes. The planning tools and frameworks presented in the session are based on systems research and core strategic planning principles, and use logic modeling to identify and map the relationships between organizational problems, organizational practices and behaviors, and the intervening variables which drive them. Logic models are then used to identify  targeted goals with regard to desired changes in organizational functioning, specific objectives to address the key intervening variables that compromise organizational effectiveness, measurable immediate, intermediate and long-term organizational outcomes, and  strategies and activities that are logically linked to—and most likely to be effective at achieving—desired organizational development goals, objectives, and outcomes. The process also includes an implementation planning component that clearly defines roles, responsibilities and time lines, and an evaluation component sufficient to monitor progress toward outcomes and provide information for midcourse adjustments as needed.  The session will also include a brief overview of how an organizational development plan can serve as the foundation for subsequent creation of a sustainability/strategic financing plan that analyzes existing and potential resources and infrastructure and aligns them to support desired organizational and population-level health outcomes.