Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) Practice Exam

What is the term for a healthcare system's statement of basic purpose and activities?

1. Vision statement.

2. Values statement.

3. Mission statement.

4. Strategic plan.

The correct answer is: Mission statement.

The term that describes a healthcare system's statement of basic purpose and activities is the mission statement. A mission statement articulates the organization's core purpose, its reason for existence, and the primary goals it seeks to achieve. It serves as a foundational document that guides decision-making and strategy within the organization. In the context of healthcare, a mission statement typically outlines the specific health needs the organization aims to address, the population it serves, and the key services it provides. This statement not only communicates the organization’s priorities and commitments to its stakeholders but also helps align the staff and resources toward fulfilling the organization's goals. A vision statement, though related, focuses on the long-term aspirations of the organization, describing what it hopes to achieve in the future. Values statements convey the principles and ethics that guide behavior and decision-making within the organization but do not encompass the overall purpose or activities. A strategic plan, on the other hand, is a detailed outline of how an organization intends to achieve its goals, including specific actions and resources, but is based on the foundation provided by the mission statement.