Strategic planning—a health system operational perspective

Strategic planning is frequently presented to health managers and leaders as a rigorous and systematic process that enables clarification of purpose and unites staff to achieve organisational goals. However, there is little evidence that the planning process and the production of a documented plan contributes to the achievement of objectives and improved health performance. Nevertheless, in the absence of such evidence or an alternative way with which to navigate a way forward, health systems continue to put significant effort into strategic planning as a way of publicly authenticating purpose and direction.