The use of a SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool in mental health care.

In health care, managers become aware of the importance of providing good-quality care. To deal with the changing circumstances, 'new public management' is introduced in mental health care. One example is the growing popularity of the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis. In this paper, the use of a SWOT analysis as a strategic management tool in mental health care is studied. Qualitative research, using a SWOT document for questioning employees about the care programmes in a regional psychiatric hospital, is presented. In total, 186 SWOT documents were distributed; 168 were completed by 28 participants. For child and youth psychiatry a total SWOT was made for eight pathology groups; for adult psychiatry eight groups; and for elderly psychiatry seven pathology groups. This resulted in some interesting findings about the different care programmes the hospital offers for their patients. But this does not mean that the methodology is impeccable. For instance, because of the absence of clinical pathways it was harder to interpret the results. A critical discussion about the methodology is presented, as well as a SWOT analysis about the use of a SWOT analysis in mental health-care organizations. A SWOT analysis can be a very useful strategic management instrument if one takes into account the methodology and the mostly uncertain environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]