The most critical element of the contract in this scenario would likely be the terms surrounding patient care and safety. This would have a significant impact on the short-term and long-term operational strategy of a community hospital. If the contract includes strict guidelines and protocols for patient care and safety, it could help to ensure that the hospital is providing high-quality care to patients and meeting regulatory requirements. However, if the contract is too restrictive or overly burdensome, it could impede the hospital’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and provide the best possible care to patients.
In terms of financial targets, a contract that includes strict guidelines and protocols for patient care and safety could increase the hospital’s costs if it requires additional staff or equipment to meet the requirements. However, it could also help to avoid costly fines or penalties for non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
One non-financial driver that could have been successfully included within the contract negotiation process between North Creek Healthcare and the community hospital is a commitment to community health and wellness. This could include provisions for community outreach programs, education and awareness campaigns, and other initiatives aimed at improving the overall health and wellbeing of the community served by the hospital. This would help to align the interests of the hospital and the community, and could help to build trust and support for the hospital among community members. Additionally, this could result in a positive outcome for the hospital by positively impacting the community and improving the hospital’s reputation.