The main purpose of scenario analysis is to propose:

The primary purpose of scenario analysis is to explore and evaluate alternative outcomes based on potential changes in the environment. This analytical method allows organizations, particularly in healthcare, to assess various future situations that could impact their operations, strategies, and financial performance. By considering different scenarios—such as changes in regulations, economic shifts, technological advancements, or shifts in patient demographics—leaders can better prepare for uncertainty and enhance their strategic planning processes.

Scenario analysis helps organizations to identify risks and opportunities associated with various pathways and make informed decisions that align with possible future realities. It fosters adaptive thinking and enables leaders to simulate how different factors could interact, informing their strategic responses. This is particularly crucial in healthcare, where external factors can significantly alter patient care delivery and organizational viability.

The other options, while related to organizational objectives, are more specific outcomes or strategies rather than the overarching goal of scenario analysis. Cost-reduction strategies, operational efficiencies, and market share goals are all important for a healthcare organization's success, but they do not capture the essence of scenario analysis, which is fundamentally about understanding and preparing for variability in future conditions.