Preliminary Walk Selinsgrove Center is a state-owned intermediate...

Preliminary Walk

Selinsgrove Center is a state-owned intermediate care facility that is centrally located in Snyder County, just outside the borough of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Conducting a preliminary walk around this organization can provide us valuable insight into its internal environment, helping to identify strengths and weaknesses, while also gaining a better understanding of the external environment, such as opportunities and threats.

Internally, the organization has an average staffing capacity to serve the 250 people in 19 different living areas, with an age range of 23 to 95 years. The Center provides 24-hour a day medical services, as well as, occupational and physical therapy, psychiatric, speech and hearing, recreational and social work services. This holistic staff approach is an area of strength, as it is vital to the success of the Center especially dedicating maximum support to people battling with intellectual disabilities in achieving their personal life goals.

The Center also provides vocational training, which is another area of strength. This is an important part of the Center's mission, and it provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to pursue employment opportunities and to take part in their communities.

Furthermore, the center has a stable financial source from the State and is in a good position to withstand any unforeseen economic challenge. Its strong financial stability has helped to be in operation for this long period whilst other facilities are closing.

A potential weakness of the Center is that it does not provide long-term care for the individuals. While the Center does offer 24-hour medical services, it does not offer long-term care for individuals who may need it. This could be a problem if an individual's condition deteriorates, and they require long-term care that the Center cannot provide.

Also, the center is rapidly losing its staff members due to massive retirement. Most of our staff members are aging and significant number of them retiring, therefore the Center is currently experiencing staff shortage. The outbreak of the Covid 19 Pandemic made many of our staff to quit their jobs. This is currently affecting the quality of care provided to our Residents.

In terms of external environment, the Center has many opportunities that it can take advantage of. With its location in Snyder County, the Center can leverage its local connections to build relationships with local businesses and organizations, providing employment opportunities for its individuals. 

Additionally, advances in technology can enable the Center to better monitor the progress of its individuals and make use of new therapies that can help them to improve their quality of life.

The Center also needs to be aware of potential threats in the external environment. It's important to monitor potential regulations that may be proposed by the government, as well as any competition that may arise.

In conclusion, a preliminary walk around the organization can provide valuable insight into its internal environment, helping to identify strengths and weaknesses, while also gaining a better understanding of the external environment, such as opportunities and threats. 

In addition to the preliminary walk around the organization, it is important to conduct further research that may provide clarity on elements that are uncertain. Therefore, I would do research around regulations that may be proposed by the government in order to understand how they may impact the Center. 

Additionally, I would do further research on possible competition we may stand to face in the local area, as this can provide insight into how the Center can remain competitive.

Finally, I believe it is important to research the local area in order to understand how the Center can build relationships with local businesses and organizations and provide employment opportunities for its individuals.

Researching the elements that are uncertain is a vital part of understanding the internal and external environment of the organization. This can provide valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the organization, as well as potential opportunities and threats. 

The objective of this SWOT analysis is to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the Selinsgrove Center in order to better understand the internal and external environment of the organization. This will provide valuable insight into how the Center can improve its services and provide the best possible care to its individuals.

Strengths: 

The Selinsgrove Center is state owned and has been in operation for 46 years. It was designed to be self-reliant in its operations, therefore has a wide range of infrastructure ranging from human resources such as administrators, medical practitioners (Doctors, nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants), Physical and Occupational Therapists, Food Service, House keeping etc. it also has its own water dam, electricity house and vehicle maintenance services. This makes the center to be effective in its operations and allows it to stand the test of time even when its counterparts are closing.

It also has a strong financial base that contributes to the day the day running of its affairs. The center is owned and regulated by the State; therefore, it has a stable financial base as long as it meets the demands of the State. This has helped the facility to operate consistently even when other facilities are closing. 

Also, because of the longtime of its existence, the Center enjoys a wide range of expertise and experience backed by committed and dedicated staff who are determined to deliver high-quality services to its resident. 

The facilities also seat on a wide range of infrastructure which could be used for possible partnership with organizations that share similar values and will open possible business opportunities.

Weaknesses: 

Since the outbreak of the Covid 19 Pandemic, the Center has experienced a high level of Staff shortage. This has got a negative impact on the quality of care we provide for our patients. Also, 40% of our staff members are ageing and significant amount of them are retiring. This also has contributed to the staff shortage we are experiencing.The Selinsgrove Center was designed to operate as a complete independent institution that its own water dam, electricity house, motor vehicle maintenance services etc.  This massive infrastructure that was put in place at its initial establishment saw the Center operating at its highest peak. But the decline in staff recruitment and retainment now places the Center in a very difficult position to upkeep and maintain this huge number of structures. This has led to the deterioration of many structures and now serves as a breathing ground for animals like snakes, rats, deer etc.

Opportunities: 

According to studies done by researchers, it is anticipated that there will be a considerable increase in the total population of adults aged 65 and older. Therefore, the Center can use its infrastructural capacity to convince government and other humanitarian organizations for additional funding and possible partnership. 

Also, the Center is well equipped with staff members that are well experienced, advanced in knowledge, hardworking, and devoted in providing high-quality programs and support to our residents. 

The Selinsgrove Center possesses a very massive infrastructure that can establish institutions for training purpose such as Certified Nursing Assistant Programs, Licensed Practical Nursing programs. This may serve as an excellent opportunity to solve the issue of staff shortage and would generate income for the running of the Center.

Threats: 

A major threat the Center is currently faced with is the rapid deterioration of its infrastructures. Management for a very long time has put a hold on the maintenance and upkeep of some of the buildings since much has not been going on. They hold the belief that it is a waste of resources, and this is now leading to the rapid deterioration of its infrastructures. This will eventually put the Center out of business and possible shutdown. 

The recent report from the Department of Humans Service (DHS) indicates that the center has not been providing the quality of care expected and if it continues like they would be left with no option but to close the facility. This is because of the high rate of retirement and resignation of staff members. Many of our staff members are ageing and are now retiring with few available people to replace them. 

The items that should be prioritized are: 

Based on research and thorough analysis on the operations of the Selinsgrove Center, the following are key areas that needs to be prioritized if it must continue in business:

One major area to prioritize is the issue of staff shortage. This is essential because without adequate staff, the center would not be able to fully function and provide the expected quality care to its residents. There is a need to improve staff salaries and review conditions of service (benefits). This will motivate current staff members, attract more people to come and work and would create a favorable working atmosphere, improve quality of service provided to residents.

Another area to prioritize would be the public relation aspect. The manner in which the Center interacts with the community would greatly impact its success. Therefore, management should focus on promoting our activities and raising awareness among people living in Selinsgrove and its surroundings on the work we do. Develop activities that will increase people's knowledge about the services we offer to our residents. This will result in possible revenue generation through donations and partnership. 

Management also needs to put more of its attention into improving its infrastructure to modern standards. Introduce new health care technologies such as Epic, Qlik etc. This may position the Center in an attractive position for prospective clients, which will result in increase of revenue.

Summary 

The Selinsgrove Center is a state-owned intermediate care facility that provides residential care for people with intellectual disabilities. The center serves 250 individuals in 19 different living areas, ranging in age from 23 to 95 years. The center offers 24-hour medical services, as well as occupational and physical therapy, psychiatric, speech and hearing, recreational, and social work services. The organization's mission is to support individuals with intellectual disabilities in achieving their personal life goals and lead an everyday life while involving their family members in all aspects of their loved ones' lives.

Reason for focusing on the Patient Care Unit:

This exercise is going to be mainly focused on the patient care unit. The Patient Care Unit is an essential part of Selinsgrove Center, where individuals receive medical care, therapy, and support services. It is a critical area where inefficiencies and waste can have a significant impact on the quality of care provided to individuals. Therefore, focusing on the Patient Care Unit during the Gemba walk will help identify opportunities to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce waste, improve processes and ultimately enhance the quality of care provided to individuals.

Gemba walk observations:

The goal of the Gemba walk was to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, improve processes, and enhance the quality of care provided to individuals. During the walk, I observed the Patient Care Unit, including the medical rooms, therapy rooms, and support staff areas. I also observed the healthcare professionals, therapists, and support staff, who were interacting with the individuals.

Preliminary analysis of observations:

The observations made during the Gemba walk revealed that the Patient Care Unit was relatively well-staffed, and the staff members were highly skilled and dedicated. However, there were some inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement, such as:

• The communication process between staff members could be improved to ensure that all staff members are aware of the individual's medical history, treatment plans, and progress.
• The inventory management process could be streamlined to reduce waste and ensure that necessary supplies are always available.
• The medical and therapy equipment could be upgraded to enhance the quality of care provided to individuals.
• The scheduling process for therapy sessions could be improved to ensure that individuals receive the required therapy sessions promptly.

Key takeaways:

• The Patient Care Unit at Selinsgrove Center is staffed by highly skilled and dedicated professionals.
• There are opportunities to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce waste, improve processes, and enhance the quality of care provided to individuals.
• The communication process, inventory management process, medical and therapy equipment, and scheduling process for therapy sessions could be improved.

Long-term opportunities:

The Patient Care Unit could implement an electronic health record (EHR) system. Implementing an electronic health record (EHR) system can provide a centralized and up-to-date medical record system for all staff members in the Patient Care Unit. The EHR system can improve communication between staff members, reduce waste, and enhance the quality of care provided to individuals. With an EHR system, staff members can access the individual's medical history, treatment plans, and progress, ensuring that everyone is up-to-date and improving the accuracy of documentation. The EHR system can also reduce waste by eliminating the need for paper-based records, reducing the amount of storage space required, and decreasing the time spent on administrative tasks.

Also, implementing a just-in-time (JIT) inventory management system can reduce waste and ensure that necessary supplies are always available. The JIT system can ensure that inventory levels are optimized by only ordering supplies when they are needed, reducing the amount of waste generated by expired or unused supplies. By tracking inventory levels in real-time, staff members can quickly identify when supplies need to be replenished, reducing the risk of stock-outs and improving the efficiency of the inventory management process.

Implementing a centralized scheduling system for therapy sessions can ensure that individuals receive the required therapy sessions promptly. The scheduling system can provide a centralized platform where staff members can schedule therapy sessions, reducing the risk of scheduling conflicts and ensuring that individuals receive their required sessions on time. The centralized scheduling system can also improve the communication process between staff members, ensuring that all staff members are aware of the therapy schedules and reducing the risk of missed appointments or sessions.

Short-term opportunities:

Implementing a quality improvement program: A quality improvement program can provide a framework for identifying and addressing inefficiencies, waste, and process improvements in the Patient Care Unit. A quality improvement program can involve staff members in identifying areas for improvement and developing solutions to address these areas. By involving staff members in the process, the quality improvement program can create a culture of continuous improvement and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among staff members.

Conducting regular staff training: Regular staff training can enhance the skills and knowledge of staff members, improving the quality of care provided to individuals. Staff training can cover topics such as communication skills, infection control, and patient safety. By ensuring that staff members have the necessary skills and knowledge, the Patient Care Unit can provide high-quality care and minimize the risk of errors or accidents.

Implementing a patient-centered care model: A patient-centered care model can ensure that the needs and preferences of individuals are at the center of care delivery. The patient-centered care model involves understanding the individual's values, preferences, and goals, and tailoring care to meet these needs. By adopting a patient-centered care model, the Patient Care Unit can improve the quality of care provided to individuals, enhance their experience of care, and improve their outcomes.

Utilizing data analytics: Data analytics can provide insights into inefficiencies, waste, and process improvements in the Patient Care Unit. By analyzing data such as patient outcomes, staff productivity, and resource utilization, the Patient Care Unit can identify areas for improvement and develop solutions to address these areas. Data analytics can also provide a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and tracking progress over time.

Regularly servicing and upgrading the medical and therapy equipment can enhance the quality of care provided to individuals. This can ensure that the equipment is in good working condition, reducing the risk of breakdowns and minimizing the need for repairs. Upgrading the equipment can also enhance the quality of care provided to individuals, ensuring that they receive the latest treatments and therapies. Upgrading equipment can also improve the efficiency of the medical and therapy processes, reducing the time required to perform certain procedures and improving the accuracy of treatment.

Based on the above completed  Gemba Walk that you have completed where you have gathered information about the Selinsgrove Center and have identified opportunities to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce waste, improve a product, or streamline a process, it is time to take a closer look at these potential improvements and get to the root cause of why the issues are occurring. Upon careful reviewed of these potential opportunities for improvements, analyze how you can apply systems thinking at the strategic level for your organization. 

Create either a 5 Whys or a Fishbone diagram for each of the opportunities (two short-term and one long-term) that you identified during your Gemba Walk. Work through each step of the 5 Whys or Fishbone processes to find the root cause(s) of each problem and the potential opportunity for its solution within your organization. 

Review the SWOT Analysis you completed in Competency 2 along with the diagram you completed above. Focus on the bigger picture that addresses your organization's overall strategy in terms of the strengths and opportunities you identified. 

Prepare a strategic proposal that identifies 3 key organization strengths and the role they play in identifying and building upon 3 key opportunities that fit your organization's overall strategy. 

Identify the following in your strategy proposal: 

• Elements of "chaos," identified through your 5 Whys or Fishbone diagram, that can be turned into "butterfly effects" or potential large-scale strategic opportunities for your organization. 

• Potential opportunities for projects that apply creativity in the solution of identified "chaotic" issues or problems within your organization. 

• Potential leverage points that will help your organization build on a strength(s) to take advantage of strategic opportunities. 

Describe how chaos theory applies to your strategic opportunities.