Start With Why

• Clearly articulate the purpose of the transformation
• Connect to meaningful outcomes for patients and providers
• Create compelling vision that resonates with clinical mission
• Example: "Enabling clinicians to spend more time with patients by streamlining digital workflows"

Secure Clinical Engagement

• Involve clinical stakeholders from the beginning
• Appoint respected clinicians as Business Owners
• Include clinical subject matter experts in teams
• Demonstrate value quickly to build credibility

Adapt for Healthcare Context

• Modify SAFe to fit hospital realities, not vice versa
• Accommodate clinical schedules in ceremonies
• Integrate existing quality and regulatory processes
• Use familiar healthcare terminology alongside SAFe terms

Focus on Outcomes, Not Output

• Measure success by clinical and patient impact
• Define value in terms that matter to healthcare
• Establish clear outcome metrics (e.g., reduced wait times, increased patient satisfaction)

Build Internal Capability

• Develop internal coaches and trainers
• Create communities of practice across departments
• Foster continuous learning and knowledge sharing
• Gradually reduce dependence on external consultants

Implement Incrementally

• Show results with initial pilots before scaling
• Celebrate and communicate early wins
• Use learning from early ARTs to refine approach
• Scale at a pace the organization can absorb

"The most successful SAFe implementations in healthcare balance fidelity to the framework with pragmatic adaptation to the unique needs of patient care environments."