Leaders from health systems taking part in AllSpire Health Partners — a clinical quality alliance of 25 hospitals from seven systems — and the Integrated Health Network — an accountable care organization including more than 4,500 physicians, 450 clinics and 34 hospitals in Wisconsin — shared the following three lessons on collaborative partnerships, according to a Healthcare Financial Management Association report.
1. Seek financial contributions from all partners. These contributions show commitment to the collaboration and help with expenses related to legal, branding and communication needs, as well as IT infrastructure and staff funding, according to the report.
2. Ensure key staff members have the necessary time and energy to establish the collaboration. Leaders from each participating organization need to spend a significant amount of time on building the partnership. CEOs in particular need to take on active leadership roles and move the partnership forward.
3. Define initial efforts. AllSpire and IHN have both clearly defined their areas of focus, according to the report. Participating organizations in a collaborative partnership should look for goals they can achieve quickly to gain momentum and avoid taking on too much in the beginning.
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