[Determinants of strategic management of a health center].
OBJECTIVE
The article highlights the value of a strategic approach for the development of a primary care health centre.


METHODS
The method is adapted from corporate strategy: (i) analysis of the situation of the health centre and the obstacles to its development. (ii) selection of relations on which the strategy can be developed. (iii) elaboration of a system of interventions to create a cumulative development process. (iv) Illustration of the method by application to a case.


RESULTS
The example illustrates the principles and method and highlights the importance of interpretations and choices in elaboration of a strategy, which is therefore always a unique construction.


CONCLUSIONS
The strategic approach provides a framework that (i) provides a subject of discussion and negotiation between members of the health centre, (ii) strengthens the consistency of structural decisions, (iii) helps the health centre to overcome obstacles and initiate a development process.
Pierre
P
Huard
Philippe
P
Schaller
D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*