SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Advanced Practice Provider (App) Onboarding Model: A Systematic Approach for a Successful Transition

Pdf Summary

The document describes a 12-week systematic onboarding model for new Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in an academic Hospital Medicine Group. The goal was to help APPs transition successfully into their roles by providing structured orientation, clinical shadowing, gradual increases in patient load, and ongoing feedback from senior APPs and physicians.<br /><br />The program begins with Week 1 institutional and division orientation covering HR, IT, compliance, billing, and online modules. Weeks 2–4 focus on clinical shadowing with a senior APP on a collaborative team with a physician, emphasizing system-based learning and mentorship. During Weeks 5–8, the new APP is paired directly with a physician and begins seeing patients with a low census, with direct supervision and evaluation. Weeks 9–12 gradually increase the census and individual patient responsibilities, while physicians provide real-time feedback and assess readiness to continue or complete onboarding.<br /><br />Outcomes from surveying APPs who completed the program over 1.5 years were largely positive. Eighty-four percent reached the target patient census within three months and completed onboarding. Half of respondents were satisfied with having one senior APP mentor, while the other half felt more than one mentor would have been helpful. The APPs also participated in educational sessions and patient safety/quality improvement conferences. A standardized evaluation form supported objective feedback.<br /><br />The program was associated with improved retention: annual APP turnover decreased from 30% to 15%. The authors conclude that a careful onboarding process can improve job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and lower costs. They plan to further refine the program by adding a formal mentor-mentee structure and SHM educational modules.

Asset Subtitle

Saket Kottewar

Meta Tag

Author List Anupam Jha, Belinda Wong, Gregory Bowling, Julie Thomas, Mary Kim, Saket Kottewar, Shiney Philip

Category Innovations

Concept Advanced Practice Provider Onboarding

Concept Transition-to-Practice Program

Concept Patient Care Quality

Concept Onboarding Program

Concept Direct Supervision

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization UT Health San Antonio - Lozano Long School of Medicine

Presenting Author Saket Kottewar

Track Value in Hospital Medicine

Keywords

onboarding

advanced practice providers

hospital medicine

clinical shadowing

mentorship

patient census

retention

orientation

feedback

quality improvement

Advanced Practice Provider Onboarding

Transition-to-Practice Program

Patient Care Quality

Onboarding Program

Direct Supervision