Project Management Not-for-Profits Can Rely On

Project management not-for-profits work demands a clear definition first. So it is best to start by defining what exactly a not-for-profit (NFP) health provider is. NFP's in the healthcare industry use their revenue only to provide benefits to the community or members. They also use it for covering operating costs such as marketing, staff wages and other overhead costs. For example a NFP healthcare insurance provider will generally run on a membership basis. Such a model stays highly accessible to anyone, or to a particular industry or association.

The role of project management not-for-profits in NFP healthcare

Money is the most significant aspect to consider when project planning in the NFP sector since these organisations have limited funds to work with. As such appropriate allocation of costs is vital in achieving a successful result for a project plan. Project managers may be responsible for considering which financial modelling software to deploy in the planning process. They also weigh the likelihood, per say, of getting approved for a financial aid grant.

Having the right group of team members is also essential for project managers to organise. Charity organisations such as Oxfam and The Salvation Army tend to be high profile. Compared to them it is likely that NFP's will have a smaller number of staff to work with. Project managers will therefore need to hire team members who have the capacity to work on the specific project. Those members must also have the right qualifications and mindset approach. To make things more efficient it is likewise important to consider the significance of automation. Teams should weigh which software and tools can enhance the productivity of their work.

Sound delivery practice mirrors the standards set out by the global body for the profession, the Project Management Institute. Skills built on a PMP certification course help managers apply that discipline in resource-tight settings. Newer practitioners can instead begin with a CAPM certification course to learn the same fundamentals.

What does the future hold for healthcare NFP's

Executives from the Community Business Bureau (CBB) shared a forward view at a recent webinar. The CBB is an Australian NFP that provides business consulting services. They outlined how healthcare service providers can adapt to the changing business environment in 2021. That shift comes through adopting more sustainable and competitive operating strategies.

One key point is highly relevant for project managers. Current business models are not practical, so there is a need for organisations to pivot towards being more agile. This change is further fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Public healthcare providers around the world therefore face increasing challenges in operation and staffing requirements, as well as tightened budgets. This is where project management teams can work with NFP organisations to reshape or adapt their existing environment. Such teams must work in a strategic and efficient manner. It was further raised that providers should evaluate how they can offer services that are stable, consistent, safe and of high quality. Meanwhile they must do so whilst working with a smaller budget. Teams that want to lead this pivot often build agile certification courses into their development plans.

Current risks faced by NFP healthcare providers

Cyber Attacks

The US public healthcare sector has been subject to an increasing number of cyberattacks through 2020 to 2021, as reported by Fitch Ratings. This has forced the NFP organisations in the healthcare sector to act. They have had to allocate further revenue and expenses towards the prevention of cyber-crime. Cyberattacks have prolonged effects on healthcare institutions because they prevent the ability to provide care. Moreover they impose significant financial losses due to the shutdown of payment systems and slow recovery of costs. It was estimated by the US Department of Health and Human Services that the confidential data of more than 22 million Americans was exposed through cyberattacks. Such exposure can cause detrimental harm to consumer confidence, litigation costs and the capacity of federal enforcement actions, since regulations surround patient confidentiality.

For project managers this is an opportunity. They can work with healthcare organisations in the NFP sector to build a more integrated system of software. Medical staff use that software, which teams can therefore update and support on a regular basis. Such support helps lessen the vulnerability to cyber crime.

The COVID crisis is continuing to persist, while an increasing focus turns to enhancing the digitalisation of the healthcare sector. Consequently the skills and expertise of project managers are more valuable than ever. NFP organisations will need project managers to guide the movement towards expanding their scope and quality of patient care. They will also need them when implementing software that will improve efficiency levels, all whilst managing the limited availability of funds.