Develop a marketing plan for a healthcare facility that was recently cited by the OIG (Office of Inspector General), or has been investigated by a journalist (eg., newspaper article, journal).
Answer the following items in your marketing plan:
Organizational Summary – Explain why the company is in trouble
Analysis of the External Environment – (Public perception, economy) Threats and Opportunities Marketing Goals and Objectives The Target MarketCompetition – List possible competitors Marketing Strategy Action Programs (Marketing tactics)
Budgets – How much money do you think this would cost?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Marketing Plan for Healing Hands Healthcare Facility
Organizational Summary
Healing Hands Healthcare Facility has recently come under scrutiny due to a citation from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) regarding compliance issues related to patient care and safety regulations. Additionally, a local newspaper article highlighted these findings, raising public concern and damaging the facility’s reputation. Patient numbers have declined significantly, leading to reduced revenue and increased operational pressure. The facility must act swiftly to rebuild trust, enhance its image, and ensure compliance with regulations to secure its future.
Analysis of the External Environment
Public Perception
The recent citation and media coverage have led to a negative perception among potential patients and their families. Trust in the facility has eroded, contributing to a decline in patient volume. Community sentiment is crucial, and rebuilding this trust will require transparent communication and visible improvements in care.
Economy
The economy remains uncertain, with many individuals prioritizing cost-effective healthcare options. Patients may choose to seek care at facilities with better reputations or those offering lower prices or comprehensive services.
Threats
– Negative public perception due to media coverage.
– Increased competition from other healthcare facilities that offer better reputations.
– Potential decrease in funding or support from government programs.
Opportunities
– Implementation of a robust quality improvement program could demonstrate commitment to patient safety.
– Community engagement through health education initiatives could help rebuild reputation.
– Partnerships with local organizations can enhance credibility and attract new patients.
Marketing Goals and Objectives
1. Rebuild Trust: Re-establish the facility’s reputation within the community within 12 months.
2. Increase Patient Volume: Achieve a 25% increase in patient volume within 18 months.
3. Enhance Compliance and Quality Assurance: Implement quality improvement initiatives that lead to zero citations from regulatory bodies within 24 months.
Target Market
The target market includes:
– Local residents seeking healthcare services.
– Families looking for reliable healthcare options for elderly relatives.
– Individuals with chronic conditions requiring regular care.
Competition
Possible competitors include:
– Nearby hospitals with a strong reputation for quality care.
– Specialty clinics that provide focused services (e.g., urgent care).
– Alternative healthcare providers (e.g. telehealth services) that have gained popularity.
Marketing Strategy
Action Programs (Marketing Tactics)
1. Community Outreach: Organize health fairs and free health screenings to demonstrate commitment to community well-being.
2. Patient Testimonials: Share positive patient experiences via video testimonials on social media and the facility’s website.
3. Quality Improvement Campaign: Initiate a campaign showcasing improvements made in response to OIG concerns, including staff training and updated protocols.
4. Digital Marketing: Develop an informative website section dedicated to quality and safety initiatives, along with active engagement on social media platforms.
5. Partnerships: Collaborate with local health organizations to offer workshops on health topics relevant to the community.
Budgets
Estimated costs for implementing the marketing plan are outlined as follows:
Activity Estimated Cost
Community Outreach Events $10,000
Video Production for Testimonials $5,000
Digital Marketing Campaign $15,000
Quality Improvement Campaign $10,000
Partnerships and Workshops $5,000
Total Estimated Budget $45,000
Conclusion
By addressing the concerns raised by the OIG citation and negative press, Healing Hands Healthcare Facility can implement a strategic marketing plan designed to rebuild trust, enhance compliance, and attract new patients. With focused outreach efforts, community engagement, and a commitment to quality improvement, the facility can turn its current challenges into opportunities for growth and renewal.
