Anatomy of a Business Case.

A business case plan (BCP) provides a structured framework for evidence-based, transparent business decisions. It is an essential tool that when written well will provide you with the means to translate the cost and benefits of nursing practice proposals, often related in anecdotal terms, into quantifiable, evidence-based terms outlining return on investment and business advantages of investing in nursing initiatives. The BCP should include an analysis of the problem and associated needs, the proposed solutions with options, goals for success, implementation, and evaluation plans, as well as a risk-adjusted cost-benefit analysis. It contains the necessary information to allow decision makers to make well-informed decisions regarding resource allocation. As clinical experts seeking to compete for finite resources in the health care arena, nursing leadership must bridge the language gap between nursing and business finance. This article outlines the required elements of the BCP to provide you with a practical working definition of each element to support your future initiatives in the business of health care improvement.