A Case Study: SWOT Analysis to Improve CRC Screening at the Suffolk County Community Health Centers

A strategic planning process at four community health centers in Suffolk County, NY, illustrates the use of SWOT analysis. The goal was to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates within the Suffolk County Department of Health Services community health center network on Long Island, NY. The effort was part of the Colorectal Cancer in County Health Centers Project, funded by a grant from the National Cancer Institute and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The strategic planning sessions followed in-center continuing medical education (CME) sessions on current best practices for CRC prevention and early detection.
  
While the didactic CME sessions on current screening practices and recommendations involved only the health center providers, the strategic planning sessions involved all the staff at the health center. The intent was to hear all staff members’ perspectives on issues at the centers that would have an impact on screening, and, ultimately, to ensure greater buy-in from the entire staff in implementing any recommendations the strategic planning yielded. According to recent research, interventions have been more successful in centers not only where leadership is committed, but also where staff members are motivated to increase cancer screening.

Experience at the Suffolk County Community Health Centers provides a case example of the use of SWOT analysis. Each of four community health centers within the health system network had expressed interest in improving rates of screening and early detection of CRC. After presenting a didactic session on current recommendations for CRC screening, the educator/facilitator conducted SWOT analyses at the four community health centers.

Each session involved all staff at the centers. The groups wrote goal statements that focused on improving prevention of colorectal cancer through education and screening. Using the four-part matrix, staff were led through the process of identifying strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities. The educator/facilitator later revisited the lists generated by participants and grouped the suggestions in categories.

The following provides a general summary of results yielded by the SWOT analyses at the four centers.