Strategic Planning as a Tool for More Efficient Healthcare Institutions: Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of strategic planning on the performance of healthcare institutions, with a particular focus on its application in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and comparison to international practices. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including a secondary analysis of relevant literature (WHO, OECD, NHS Trust, Ginter et al.) and a primary quantitative analysis conducted through a questionnaire. The survey was distributed to 15 public and private healthcare institutions in BiH, including clinical centers, health centers, and specialized hospitals. A total of 183 valid responses were collected from medical and non-medical staff, including physicians, nurses, and managerial personnel. The key dimensions examined were the existence of a formal strategic plan, internal communication and employee participation in the planning process, staff satisfaction and motivation, as well as patient satisfaction based on subjective perceptions. The results indicate that healthcare institutions implementing strategic planning report higher efficiency (14.0%), greater patient satisfaction (16.2%), and a lower number of adverse events (32.6%). Furthermore, institutions in BiH with formal strategic plans demonstrate 19.0% better internal communication and 12.0% higher staff motivation compared to institutions without such plans. The study concludes that strategic planning significantly contributes to improvements in the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of healthcare services, particularly in transitional healthcare systems such as that of Bosnia and Herzegovina.