Transition to Practice Programs: What Stakeholders Should Be Involved?

As Healthcare Employers begin their transition to practice program journey having all the right stakeholders at the table can make or break the approval process. 

In ThriveTalks episode two, Trevor Brown, VP Employer Partnerships at ThriveAP, explores the stakeholders you need to align to gain the clinical support required to implement an APP fellowship or transition to practice program in a primary care or acute care setting. 

Transition to Practice Programs: Aligning Stakeholders for Success

Read the ThriveTalks Transcription

Let's talk stakeholders. 

At ThriveAP we work with many Advanced Practice Provider Leads who are interesting in building a transition to practice program within their organization, but they aren't certain where to start for the approval process. We have found it is easier if you break the process down into a four simple steps.

Four Steps to Stakeholder Approval

1. Clinical Sponsorship

In working towards gaining clinical sponsorship you could approach titles such as, Chief Medical Officer or Chief Nursing Officer - sometimes the APP Lead themselves can take this on. In Primary Care we have also seen clinical sponsorship fall into the realm of Operations. Identify who could be your greatest champion to gain the sponsorship you will need.

2. Organizational Structure

Consider who else in your organization has successfully received project approval. Speak with this individual or individuals to better understand the approval process. Discuss key information with these individuals so you can walkaway knowing: 

• The various levels of approval required
• Who will provide approval at each level 
• Individual with final signing authority 

3. Budget

Examine where the budget required for a transition to practice program will come from, and develop your return on investment (ROI) story. Take into account who you will need to align with in order to gain the necessary budget.  (Note: you can develop your ROI story with our How to Gain Stakeholder Buy-In Guide)

4. Considerations

• Will Human Resources be involved in the decision making process?
• At what point, if any, will procurement be involved?
• What is the timeline required to gain the approvals necessary to move forward with your transition to practice program?

Transition to Practice Program Success

If you are able to align these ideas and stakeholders you can gain a clear picture of what steps are required for you to achieve your end goal - achieving approval within your organization. 

Once you have determined the appropriate stakeholders and levels of approval required, your next step is developing your ROI narrative. ThriveAP has put together a comprehensive Guide to Gaining Stakeholder Buy-In. This blueprint to success will help you understand how to appropriately "sell" your transition to practice program to each stakeholder by speaking directly to their goals and the positive impact your program will have on them.