If a clinic plans to develop a new ambulatory service within two years, what type of plan will managers need to write to detail specifics like staffing and objectives?

A tactical plan is the most appropriate type of plan for detailing specifics such as staffing and objectives necessary for developing a new ambulatory service within a two-year timeframe. Tactical planning is focused on translating broader strategic goals into specific, actionable tasks and resources. This type of plan outlines the short-term actions necessary to achieve the objectives defined in the strategic plan.

When managers create a tactical plan, they establish clear and defined goals, assign resources, and develop the necessary metrics to ensure that the plans can be executed effectively. This involves detailed planning around staffing requirements, operational procedures, and timelines, allowing the clinic to systematically develop its new service.

Tactical plans are inherently time-sensitive and often focus on the next few years, making them suitable for projects with imminent timelines, like the development of a new ambulatory service.

This focus on immediate, practical applications distinguishes tactical plans from other forms of planning, such as strategic plans, which are broader and long-term in nature; single-use plans, which are designed for a one-time-only project; and standing plans, which provide ongoing guidance for activities performed repeatedly.