Dental Associates

SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses

-objective of reducing wait times by 20 per cent - long wait times for young patients and their -leadership skills parents

- friendly staff -clinical staff hours over- extended

-unresolved issues for new equipment due to costs

-waiting time for adjustment of x ray machine

Opportunities Threats

-test case will demonstrate efficiency -budgetary pressures to reduce cost

-could be done in timely fashion -staff being not being effectively utilized

-will improve patient care -time delays after test case

-improve efficiency for patients

Analysis

The data from the case study consisted of patient time spent in the clinic, questionnaires, and staff estimates of processing times. The average number of minutes for new patients compared to follow-up patients were about the same according to patient reports. The questionnaire consisted of great service from the staff but the waiting periods was still a constant issue. Dr Leitch wanted to reduce waiting times without increasing costs. Dr. Leitch wanted to reduce wait time by 20 percent to show meaningful improvement. Dr Leitch was unable to eliminate wait times but had suggestions of improvement. One suggestion was to add four x-ray machines in order to reduce waiting times for patients waiting for the radiology department and for emergency patients that seemed immediate attention. By adding four x-ray machines it would mean additional costs of the equipment for the clinic as well as scheduling additional staff. Another suggestion was to purchase an additional X-ray machine that would cut patient wait times by 25 percent but it would cost the clinic $75,000 annually but this would not be cost effective. Another suggestion the clinic came up with was better scheduling in grouping certain types of patients.

Recommendations/ Conclusions

Purchasing a new X-ray machine would not...