SWOT Analysis in the Community Health Center Setting

Although it was originally developed for business and industry, SWOT analysis has been used effectively in health care organizations and government agencies to identify positive forces in the work environment as well as potential problems that need to be addressed. 

SWOT analysis can be an effective way of identifying strengths and weaknesses and of examining the opportunities and threats a community health center faces.

The SWOT analysis can yield a comprehensive “strategic snapshot” of the center’s position in relation to the identified goal. The facilitator encourages participants to make connections between categories. Internal strengths can be used to take advantage of opportunities and to avoid threats. Weaknesses can be overcome by taking advantage of opportunities. A realistic recognition of the weaknesses and threats that jeopardize the efforts of the community health center is the first step to countering them with strengths and opportunities.
 
Internal factors at the health center include resources and experience. Human resources encompass staff, volunteers, and the center’s target population. Physical resources include location, building, and equipment. Financial resources may cover grants and other sources of income. Experience may involve the center’s successful programs and even the center’s reputation in the community. Opportunities are external to the setting and, by definition, involve the future. With the four quadrants to guide thinking, SWOT analysis prompts a balanced approach. It reminds a group to build on strengths, minimize weaknesses, seize opportunities, and counteract threats.

The outcome of a SWOT analysis is an action plan. The action plan designates activities to be undertaken, who is responsible for each activity, and when the activity should be completed. The success of an action plan depends upon the commitment of those in authority to see its enactment.