Page 134 - DMGT522_SERVICES MANAGEMENT

Unit 6: Service Planning

Anticipated changes in services practices Notes
Potential for development of new services
Advancement in technologies such as developments of medical and hospital services e.g.
telemedicine

Anticipated changes in service demand patterns such as attraction of demand currently
using other services e.g. utilization of community or outreach type services rather than
institution-based services

Availability of complementary services and resources to support identified new needs
Changes in legislation and community expectations
Consideration of methods of containing demand or channeling demand to primary care
services.
Future requirements and distribution by specialty are to be estimated by:

Service needs and client access
Requirements for emergency facilities
Optimal consultation, occupancy and usage rates
Optimal functional unit size

Acceptable target set by policy
Availability of complementary services and resources to support identified new need
Methods of service delivery including trends in Australia and overseas.
The service demand is to be estimated for a 10-year period on a yearly basis to establish the peak
requirement. Such figures generally provide the basis for service planning. Other considerations
to be considered may include:
Non-asset options. That is, consider options to meet demand with existing Agency and
other private sector facilities by redesigning their usage.

Factors affecting the average length of stay.
Occupancy rates by specialty as appropriate.
Average length of stay or consultation time.

Preferred Service Model

The preferred service model would consider various options, taking into consideration current
and future requirements. Future changes should be considered in terms of changes in legislation,
technology and demand.

Throughput Estimates

Throughput estimates or suitable benchmarks are required. These should consider current
practice, rates in similar centers, quality, efficient and effective service delivery and changes in
practice, technology and therapies.

Hours of Operation

The hours of service operation required must be established as well as related issues, e.g., car
parking requirements and transport.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 129