This book is developed around a rational planning process of six steps required to develop a strategic plan for health services. Following an overview chapter that identifies the need for this text and how it differs from previous health planning texts, each succeeding chapter is devoted to one step in the process. Methods and techniques are provided that can help practitioners carry out the steps. Where feasible, the reader learns how to use these methods and how to identify their strengths and weaknesses. In an era of stiff competition among health service agencies and hospitals,...