IFCC Strategic Plan Overview

The original strategic plan was conceived and refined during the period 1990-1994 by the EB and reviewed by National Societies (NS) and Corporate Members (CM). During the years 2006-2008, it is intended to look critically at the existing strategic plan and to set goals to achieve the revised plan.

The need for a strategic plan was the result of a situation analysis of diagnosis, treatment and care on a world-wide basis. The changing role of the clinical laboratory is evolving as a result of new medical discoveries, new technologies, and changes in the organisation and process of laboratory support of clinical services. In addition, the role of IFCC as an organisation developing voluntary standards has been modified as a result of standards issued by ISO, CEN, other International organisations and National bodies such as CLSI and JCCLS. In response to the changes in the nature and organisation of laboratory testing , IFCC had already expanded its field of activities to encompass other clinical laboratory disciplines in addition to clinical chemistry. However, there is a need to ensure the Federation is still working to achieve its stated aims.

The ongoing strategic plan is intended to achieve a number of objectives, with the priorities and tactical implementation being guided by the IFCC Membership. These internal and external changes are all intended to maintain IFCC as a valid and credible resource of expertise for the improvement of patient care through laboratory medicine.

Objectives of the strategic plan

In developing the plan, a situational analysis and review led by the Executive Board (EB) highlighted key strategic issues relating to scientific credibility, linking clinical laboratory science to patient outcomes and healthcare, improving laboratory practice world-wide, communicating IFCC products and services globally, and establishing succession planning and financial management. The plan also identifies that the IFCC needs to take a leading role in supporting the scientific development in global standardization at the highest scientific level.

The principal objectives of the plan are:

  • To improve and maintain the multidisciplinary and international leadership of IFCC in standardisation activities.
  • To ensure that its standardisation and research activities are more oriented towards the patient and towards the health of the individual.
  • To ensure consistency between its activities and the stated expectations of the IFCC members, recognising the needs of both developed and developing countries.
  • To develop and maintain IFCC communications, to promote publications and products from IFCC, including publications and reference materials, and to set up joint promotion activities with international organisations such as WHO, WASPaLM, IUPAC, IRMM, CLSI and others.
  • To establish collaborations, joint meetings and projects with international organisations having interest in the field of Laboratory Medicine such as IUPAC, ISTH, IATDM, IRMM, CLSI.
  • To promote IFCC through international and regional congresses.
  • To promote Members' activities.
  • To encourage professional development of individuals in National Societies and the recruitment of new members and experts to IFCC operating units.
  • To develop and maintain Public Relations.

The Executive Board for 2012-2014 has identified and agreed the above strategic objectives for its term of office. They accord with the overall IFCC strategic plan and its principal objectives. They are intended to be in addition to the ongoing work of Division Executives.

There are 26 strategic actions which have been classified into the following four broad areas:

1.      Supporting our membership

2.      Broadening our horizons

3.      Improving the quality of laboratory medicine

4.      Improving the effectiveness of IFCC

Progress with and review of the strategic development plan will be an integral part of all executive Board meetings during 2012-2014