Health Organization Partner Engagement Program
Health Organization Partner Engagement (HOPE) Program
Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) is engaging with health systems to take a system-wide approach to addressing clinician impairment through our HOPE Program.
WPHP will work with institutional stakeholders to develop a comprehensive, health system-specific strategy that strengthens awareness of WPHP and other support resources, promotes a consistent and transparent referral process, and helps ensure continuity during organizational transitions.
Each engagement includes evaluating current policies, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing actionable strategies to help organizations build and sustain effective practices for recognizing and addressing impairment concerns. Tailored guidance, a customized toolkit, and resources for embedding institutional knowledge are provided to support better outcomes for both health professionals and their organizations. Developing a clear, compassionate, and consistent process helps protect patients, supports health professionals, and strengthens workforce sustainability.
Who Should Participate
Participating health systems select who would best contribute to the engagement. WPHP recommends including:
- Physician leaders representing the medical staff, such as health system’s chief medical officer, chiefs of staff, medical executives, or well-being committee members
- Human resources and credentialing leaders
- Representatives from risk management, legal, peer review, or other teams involved in identifying and addressing performance concerns
Bringing perspectives from different departments together helps create a coordinated, organization-wide approach.
The HOPE Process
- Engagement is organized and managed by WPHP. From start to finish, we coordinate scheduling and develop the meeting agendas.
- The process is designed for busy health professionals with competing demands and priorities. WPHP does the heavy lifting and provides toolkits including policy guidance, educational materials, and implementation strategy.
- Structured meetings are led by WPHP and are typically scheduled for 60-90 minutes at 4- to 6-week intervals for a duration of 3-6 months depending on goals and progress.
- Systems are built that deliver real results. Health organizations will develop stronger processes for addressing performance concerns that support health professional well-being, workforce sustainability, productivity, and patient safety.
Cost
WPHP offers the HOPE Program at no charge to partnering institutions.
Resources Available
HOPE participants receive tools and resources to support lasting organizational change, including the following:
- HOPE Flyer
- Policy Guide for Referral and Consultation with the Washington Physicians Health Program
- Tip Sheet for Supervisors: Discussing Referral to WPHP
- WPHP Overview & Impairment Presentation