Transforming Healthcare Culture Through Relationships
The Interprofessional Relational Model™ (IRM) is an operational framework designed to transform organizational culture by aligning people, systems, and processes around a shared purpose: delivering the best possible experience for patients, families, and those who work in healthcare.
Building on the legacy of Relationship-Based Care®, IRM expands relational practice across the entire healthcare ecosystem. It recognizes that meaningful, sustainable change occurs when leadership, teams, and systems work together to strengthen relationships at every level of the organization.
Rather than introducing another initiative, IRM works from the inside out, strengthening what already exists within your culture and connecting purpose with everyday practice.
Many organizations describe it simply:
“IRM isn’t just what we do, it becomes who we are.”
"Essentials of a Caring Culture: The Interprofessional Relational Model™"
Essentials of a Caring Culture: The Interprofessional Relational Model™ introduces a groundbreaking evolution of Creative Health Care Management’s classic Relationship-Based Care® framework. Edited by Kathleen Van Wagoner and Christina Martin, this book honors the legacy of RBC while addressing the realities of today’s healthcare—where integrated teams, equity, and clinician well-being are more essential than ever. The Interprofessional Relational Model™ (IRM) expands the focus of relational practice beyond nursing to include every discipline and community partner contributing to health and healing. With practical tools, inspiring stories, and six core essentials for building healthy, collaborative cultures, this book offers a clear roadmap for organizations seeking to improve outcomes, strengthen teams, and create meaningful connections across all levels of care. More than a model, IRM is a call to reclaim dignity, purpose, and humanity in healthcare systems.
Relationship-Based Frameworks Proven in Practice
50+
Years of relational culture expertise through CHCM frameworks
250+
Healthcare organizations supported world-wide
90%
Increase in Patient Experience Scores for organizations who implemented the Interprofessional Relational Model™ or Relationship-Based Care®
50%
Reduction in Staff Turnover for organizations who implemented the Interprofessional Relational Model™ or Relationship-Based Care®
Why Relationships Matter in Healthcare
In complex healthcare environments, outcomes are shaped not only by clinical expertise, but by how teams communicate, collaborate, and support one another.
Research and experience consistently show that strong relational cultures lead to:
IRM provides organizations with a clear framework to intentionally cultivate these outcomes.
Higher staff engagement and retention
Stronger collaboration across disciplines
Greater psychological safety and trust within teams
More resilient leadership and care delivery systems
Begin Your Organization’s Transformation
IRM helps organizations create a unified culture where shared ownership, strong relationships, and aligned systems lead to exceptional outcomes.
Meet CHCM’s Interprofessional Relational Model™ (IRM) Consulting Team!
The Interprofessional Relational Model™ is led by Donna Wright and Kathleen Van Wagoner— nationally and internationally recognized experts in relational culture, competency, and healthcare transformation. Together, they have guided organizations across six of the seven continents, helping leaders strengthen culture, collaboration, and compassionate care.
MSN, RN, MSA
Licensed Program Leader and Consultant
MS, RN, NPD-BC
Leadership Development and Competency Expert and Consultant
A Natural Evolution of Relationship-Based Care®
The Interprofessional Relational Model™ builds on the powerful foundation of Relationship-Based Care® (RBC), a framework that has helped healthcare organizations strengthen culture for decades.
IRM expands this work by recognizing the increasingly collaborative nature of modern healthcare. It invites every discipline and community partner into relational practice, ensuring that compassion, communication, and connection guide care across the entire organization.
Why CHCM?
Since 1978, organizations across the U.S. and internationally have trusted CHCM for healthcare consulting expertise. Together, we build the leadership, governance, and culture that sustain exceptional care.
Transforming Healthcare Through Trusted Partnerships
We’re ready to share our advice and experience.
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