Innovative Capacity Building: University of Utah Health's Success With a Collaborative Capacity Action Plan (40H)

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.