The healthcare delivery system within the United States is in the process of unparalleled changes relating to the transitioning to an Accountable Care Organization. Currently, the overall health care system is unstable with many hospital closures, merging, or collaborating with larger and more affluent organizations. Often times the local health care autonomy is being transitioned accordingly so the facility and services survive; especially for those serving rural isolation and “Safety-net” populations.  Hospitals that have positioned themselves in more favorable financial strategies definitely have more advantages and influence to serve as lead organizations for such transitions.

Using your knowledge of innovative and creative thinking, and your understanding of several project management techniques, what steps and format would you envision in transitioning from a traditional delivery model to a collaboration that will result in the formation of a regional alignment and affiliation with a regionalized system that strives to improve the overall health of an identified population base? How would you convey this concept to your Board of Directors? Do you think there are any mental models that board members have, that you need to be aware of?