Samantha Long
Fall 2024
Situational Analysis
The situational analysis will include three specific areas...​
- SWOT: A four-cell chart containing internal and external factors of the chosen healthcare organization.
- Environmental Forces: Research into university health centers as well as health services or programming for university students.
- Competitive Analysis: An analysis of weaknesses and strengths of the competitors to the selected organization.
SWOT
Here you'll find a four-cell chart containing internal and external factors related to the organization.
Strengths
-
Unique integration of both mental health support and dental care.
-
Partnership/collaboration with CAPS.
-
Compassionate care for those who may be labeled as “difficult.”
-
Personalized, patient-centered approach to care.
Weaknesses
-
Limited awareness since it is a brand-new program.
-
Requires specialized skills and training for staff members.
-
It has a niche focus, which might limit our ability to meet demand.
-
Significant dependence on CAPS.
Opportunities
-
Increased mental health awareness will bring more students in.
-
Potential for collaboration with other wellness programs at IU Indianapolis.
-
Growing demand for integrated healthcare services that focus on physical and mental well-being.
-
Potential to expand beyond the university.
Threats
-
Competition with the IU School of Dentistry, corporate/private practices, and other health programs.
-
Social stigma around seeking support for mental health.
-
Potential financial constraints from the university.
-
Changes in healthcare regulations and policies.
Environmental Factor #1: Economic Impact
Unfortunately, the financial state of IU Indianapolis can determine the availability of resources for our program. In a stable economic climate, the university is more likely to allocate funding to enhance its healthcare organizations. This can lead to increased marketing efforts, staffing, and overall development for the program. During an economic decline, however, budget cuts from the university would impact the resources we have available for outreach initiatives, making it extremely difficult for us to succeed as a new program to the school.
Environmental Factor #2: Social Impact
Increased awareness of mental health issues may encourage more students to seek out SafeSpace Smiles for both mental health support and dental care. However, the stigma surrounding mental health still exists, which might prevent some students from taking advantage of the program's services. Therefore, it is important that our marketing plan includes outreach strategies aimed at reducing stigma and building trust within the student population.
Competitive Analysis
In the realm of mental health services, one major competitor for SafeSpace Smiles is BetterHelp. This is an online counseling platform that connects individuals with therapists through a virtual format. They offer a variety of mental health services via video call, phone call, or messaging, which means people can access immediate support without scheduling conflicts or transportation concerns. This accessibility indicates that some users might reach out for help during their dental appointments. Additionally, BetterHelp has a large network of licensed therapists, increasing the likelihood that users will find a professional who meets their specific needs. However, like any organization, BetterHelp still has its weaknesses. While their virtual model excels in accessibility, it lacks the effectiveness of in-person mental health services. Many individuals feel that virtual therapy lacks the personal touch of face-to-face sessions, affecting their overall engagement and satisfaction.
Despite this drawback, BetterHelp has a competitive advantage due to its established reputation as a trusted online mental health service. Its accessibility and familiarity attracts users who are looking for reliable support. Thankfully, SafeSpace Smiles has the opportunity to stand out by offering a unique integration of mental health support and dental care. While BetterHelp could potentially assist individuals during dental treatment, SafeSpace Smiles provides clinicians that have been specifically trained for this type of care. By fostering a supportive, in-person environment, SafeSpace Smiles can attract those seeking a more comprehensive approach than what virtual services can offer.
No matter what you're going through, SafeSpace Smiles is here for you!