The challenge of achieving new and enduring levels of operational effectiveness, resource efficiency, and patient service has never been greater for healthcare providers. In an environment characterized by the rising cost of capital, increasing patient demand and acuity, decreasing reimbursement, and constrained physical resources, optimizing the care delivery operating model is an essential management strategy for securing long-term sustainability.

Advanced operational performance stems from an operating model that is deeply aligned with the organization's strategic plan, clinical philosophy, unique human capital, and information technology and facilities infrastructure. At its core is an integrated care model constructed around a patient's comprehensive course of treatment - designed to deliver superior outcomes upon a rationalized resource base. Underlying the integrated care model is a set of critical end-to-end processes that facilitate the most effective delivery of care and efficient use of resources across the continuum.

Embarking upon an Advanced Operations initiative requires that leadership define a common operating vision and agenda for the organization - one that is greater than the improvement of an individual process or departmental financial metrics - and advances performance and alignment across the organization's vision, market value proposition, safety, quality and service platforms, and financial foundation.