Critical Success Factors: Improving the Viability of Free Clinics

A component of the Michigan safety net are free clinics. These clinics financed through donations and staffed by volunteers operate under tight constraints and often face insurmountable challenges. Michigan free clinics serve nearly 7,500 individuals each month. This book identifies the critical success factors (CSFs) necessary for Michigan clinics to achieve and maintain organizational stability and improve long-term viability. Critical success factors when identified and managed significantly contribute to organizational success. Critical success factors (CSFs) were identified utilizing survey, interview, benchmarking research methodologies, and other other statistical tools to identify top CSFs. The top five CSFs identified are defined fund raising strategies, volunteer and staff management, collaboration and partnerships, leadership, and computer systems. Free clinics will benefit from ensuring these CSFs are operational within their organization. Tactical interventions to aid in the implementation of CSFs are also discussed.

Dr. Maryon is a registered nurse with over 20 years of behavioralhealth, community health, medical management and managed careexperience. He obtained a doctoral degree in HealthAdministration from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant,Michigan. He is employed at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michiganin their managed care division.