A Framework for Strategic Development and Integration of the Advanced Practice Executive

Health care organizations have immense opportunities to transform enterprise performance through strategic development and integration of advanced practice providers (APPs). The projected growth rate for APPs, which include advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants, is 45% and 31%, respectively. This projection is based on the shortfall of physicians and the increased need to provide cost-effective care. Successful integration of APPs requires organizations to invest in the infrastructure to support this rapidly growing profession. Many health care organizations are preparing by creating a system advanced practice executive role to oversee the organizational design systemness, workforce strategy and optimization, and care design and innovation. This paper results from system advanced practice executives collaborating to define a system-level APP leader's role and responsibilities and the value brought to the health system.