Innovative Capacity Building: University of Utah Health's Success With a Collaborative Capacity Action Plan

In 2022, University of Utah Health piloted a transformative approach to tackling inpatient, operating room (OR) and radiology capacity constraints via a capacity action plan (CAP). By fostering cross-functional collaboration, this innovative initiative has aligned stakeholders across the system, provided a clear framework for action and established a robust tracking mechanism. University of Utah Health's process emphasizes collective idea generation and strategic implementation, significantly increasing capacity. In the first year alone, over 5,000 bed days were gained, with projections indicating 35% more in year two.

This session will not only showcase the successes but also provide valuable insights and a replicable framework for other healthcare organizations facing capacity challenges. Presenters will explain the origins of the CAP and describe its collaborative nature, highlighting the involvement of various stakeholders. They will also detail the CAP's framework and discuss the process for idea submission, evaluation and prioritization by the Master Planning Committee, as well as an outline of the steps taken to implement selected high-impact ideas and the tracking mechanism used to monitor progress and measure outcomes. Attendees will review quantitative outcomes of the CAP and receive insights into the leadership strategies that facilitated the CAP's success and hear how this model can be adapted for other healthcare organizations to address their capacity challenges.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn techniques, leadership strategies and principles for engaging and unifying diverse stakeholders within a healthcare system to collectively address capacity challenges.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of how to develop and implement a similar capacity action plan within their own healthcare settings, adapting the framework to their specific needs and challenges.

Speakers:

Ischa Jensen, FACHE
Associate Executive Director, System Planning
University of Utah Health

Gina Hawley, DrPH
Chief Operating Officer
University of Utah Health

Cassandra Taft
Manager, Strategic Integration
University of Utah Health

Continuing Education Credit

ACHE Qualifying Education Credit

This recording is eligible for 1 ACHE Qualifying Education credit.

ACHE Education credits will be automatically updated in your My ACHE account upon completion of the recording.

Interprofessional Continuing Education Credit

In support of improving patient care, the American College of Healthcare Executives is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive a maximum of 1 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change. For further information about Joint Accreditation credits and certificates, please click here.

Physician Continuing Medical Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Continuing Nursing Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 contact hours of continuing nursing education.

Continuing Pharmacy Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives designates this knowledge-based activity for a maximum 1 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education credit. 

Continuing Social Work Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives designates this knowledge-based activity for a maximum 1 contact hours of continuing social work education credit.

Physician Associate/Physician Assistant Continuing Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for a maximum of 1 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.