The Hidden Cost of Misalignment in Healthcare Projects

Healthcare leaders know the statistics: major IT initiatives and transformation projects in healthcare often run over budget, miss timelines, or fail to deliver their intended outcomes. But one of the most overlooked root causes isn’t technology or resources — it’s executive misalignment.

When leaders begin a project without a shared definition of success, the risks multiply:

• Competing priorities creep into scope.

• Decision-making slows down under pressure.

• Frontline staff receive mixed signals from above.

The result? Initiatives that stall, frustrate teams, and erode trust.

At First Stage Advisors, we believe alignment isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s the foundation of execution. That’s why we developed the Pulse Methodology™:

• Voice of the Stakeholder™ surfaces priorities, risks, and perspectives early.

• Alignment Pulse Scorecard™ makes alignment visible and measurable.

• Pulse Advisory Retainers™ sustain executive focus throughout the journey.

When alignment is treated as measurable and intentional, healthcare organizations reduce risk, accelerate progress, and build the trust needed to achieve lasting impact.