PEST Analysis of Holyoke’s Soldiers Home

PEST Analysis of Holyoke’s Soldiers Home
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Health care facilities have been at the forefront of providing the much-needed healthcare services in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic to help reduce the impact of the diseases. Holyoke’s Soldiers Home which offers its services primarily to veterans has been crucial in catering for the various health needs of its target population before and during the pandemic (Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Coalition, 2020). In assessing the impact of the current political and socioeconomic factors on the operations of the organization, a PEST analysis is performed. A PEST analysis takes into consideration the external factors that impact organizations including political, environmental, socioeconomic, and technological. The healthcare industry is largely impacted by these factors based on the role it plays in promoting the health status of its populations. The Holyoke’s Soldier’s Home is a government-run facility which provides several services including hospice care, an on-site dental clinic, full-time residential accommodations, a multi-service outpatient department, and a veteran’s assistance center (Sammut‐Bonnici, & Galea, 2015).
The current political and economic developments have had a significant impact on the healthcare industry due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last year, the government has implemented a more direct approach in dealing with the health concerns resulting from the pandemic. Various policies have been enacted to ensure better provision of healthcare services and protection of its population. Some of the most common political measures in the current environment have been the implementation of lockdowns and federal coordination in provision health care services. The lockdown measures were largely implemented to prevent the spread of the corona virus while federal coordination in provision of health care services was to enhance access of health care to all the populations (Alpert, 2021). Holyoke’s Soldier’s Home being part of the health care system was impacted by these measures which enhanced its delivery of health care services to the veterans. Based on the critical role that health care sector plays in society, it is significantly influenced by the government which uses policies to influence operations at the healthcare facilities. In the current economic development, the pandemic has negatively impacted the economic status which has left many people unemployed and strapped for cash (Alpert, 2021). Despite the economic meltdown, healthcare services remain to be expensive in America which leaves many people unable to access essential health care services. Therefore, the current economic development has led to healthcare facilities grapple with the poor economic conditions and the need to provide health care services to its populations (The Pest Analysis, n.d.). Due to Holyoke’s Soldier’s Home being a recipient of government funding, in the current economic development has received more patients as veterans struggle to seek quality health care services amidst the pandemic which has affected income opportunities for many people including veterans.
Socio-cultural factors play a significant role in the provision of health care services within a specific population. Societies are guided by cultural and socio factors in their access and use of various health care services. In some societies where majority of the population are low-income earners, health care services are not a priority and, therefore, this prevents people from seeking even the basic healthcare services (Chin, & Noor, 2017). In this case, accessibility of healthcare services is affected by lack of financial resources to pay for the required services. To this regard, Holyoke’s Soldier Home plays a significant role in provision of free healthcare services to veterans who cannot afford private healthcare services. Another sociocultural factor that influences provision of health care services is education. In societies where majority have attained higher education, health provision is higher compared to regions with majority having basic level education. Education influences one’s decision to seek healthcare services when required, thus the increased access of healthcare services by populations that have attained higher level of education. In some cultures, western medication is often shunned while embracing traditional or optional treatment options. Various cultures have different health practices that influence their population. Therefore, for a culture that is against western medicine, the population will avoid healthcare facilities which will negatively influence their access to the healthcare services provided in an organization. The different socio-cultural factors should be considered by a healthcare facility in the provision of its services. By integrating the attitudes, beliefs, and cultures of the population served, health care facilities will increase their provision of servi...