The ICAVL Strategic Plan

from the July 2004 issue

On September 5 and 6, 2003, the ICAVL convened in downtown Baltimore for a Strategic Long-Range Planning Meeting. In attendance were the ICAVL Board Of Directors as well as key members of the ICAVL and IAC staff.

The meeting, organized and hosted by Tecker Consultants, focused on plans for the future of the ICAVL based on a model known as "the four planning horizons." The framework of the four planning horizons centers around the following fundamental elements:

• Envisioned Future
• Critical Factors
• Strategic Plan
• Ongoing Re-evaluation

Envisioned Future

The envisioned future first examines the core ideology of the organization, meaning the essential and enduring principles that consistently guide an organization, and projects what the organization seeks to become within a 10- to 30-year timeframe. The envisioned future focuses on one central achievement, referred to as the "Big Audacious Goal," followed up with a vivid description of what it would be like to achieve that goal.

CORE IDEOLOGY OF THE ICAVL

The core purpose of the ICAVL is to promote and improve the quality of non-invasive vascular testing. The ICAVL's main core values are 1) commitment to the process and value of accreditation; 2) self-assessment, an important educational process, and the improvement which comes from self-examination and peer review; 3) an intersocietal collaborative nature, which provides an inclusive commitment to a multidisciplinary approach and multi-specialty representation as a source of strength; 4) dedication to patient care through quality vascular testing; 5) the integrity, honesty and confidentiality of the accreditation process; and 6) ethical practice, commitment to excellence, and standards that reflect quality vascular testing.

ENVISIONED FUTURE OF THE ICAVL

The Big Audacious Goal for the ICAVL was defined: all vascular testing providers will view ICAVL accreditation as essential to their success. ICAVL accreditation will be the standard and the most widely sought-after accreditation in the industry, and the ICAVL will be a recognized symbol of quality. Reimbursement will be linked to ICAVL accreditation across the board. Improved, quality healthcare will be the ultimate result.

Critical Factors

Next, the group listed the varying factors that could come into play and affect the ability to achieve these goals. The group worked to identify potential barriers and gain foresight for the 5- to 10-year horizon, and plan possible responses/courses of action.

DEMOGRAPHICS AND SOCIETY

In the 5- to 10-year horizon, it was determined that patients will more than likely be healthier due to more screening and health maintenance. Accreditation of labs will become less voluntary and more expected by the consumer, the result being that information about the laboratories and direct marketing will become more accessible to the general public. Therefore, the patient base will become increasingly more informed about healthcare and technology.

Age also became a significant factor, on both sides. It was noted that the increased aging of the population, as well as the aging of the healthcare workforce, will impact the amount of preventive care. The economic status of this aging population will also influence access to quality health care. There will more than likely be a shift on the part of the general public to become more involved with their healthcare, and they will be able to access that information via the internet.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Much speculation was given into the future of science and technology in the vascular community. It was asserted that ultrasound technology would improve, with more efficient, user-friendly machines (i.e., smaller, portable units) resulting in shorter learning curves, increased use, and an increase in the number of practitioners. The ease of testing would likely result in a general increase in screening for vascular disease. In addition, new technologies would emerge to compete with or supplement ultrasound, such as biological or genetic technologies. Advances in imaging and future modalities could replace ultrasound altogether. It may even become necessary to implement cross-training of sonographers and physicians.

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