What does it mean to be a Respecting Choices® convener?
A convener takes responsibility for creating a collaborative approach among different organizations and the community to implement Respecting Choices programs and services. This model requires that all participating organizations agree to key decisions:
- To identify a specific organization, most often a hospital association or medical society/association/academy as the leader of the initiative,
- To involve, at a minimum, most healthcare providers in the region,
- To collaborate rather than compete in redesigning person-centered decision-making systems, and
- To adopt a standardized advance directive/power of attorney for healthcare documents and consistent education materials.
When all participants have committed, the convener contracts with Respecting Choices for services. Typically, the convener receives funds from the participants, health plans, foundations, and/or individuals who will benefit from the services.
What does the convener structure look like?
The convener develops an oversight committee, with representatives from the participants and other key stakeholders. The oversight committee helps develop the strategies, materials, standards, and processes.
Depending on the size of the region, the oversight committee may need to make decisions about an implementation strategy. Particularly in statewide efforts, implementations typically occur in highly motivated regions that are well positioned to be the initial test of change.
