Model aims to up interprofessional collaboration, data-driven decisions, provide leadership
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of a new model of care can improve outcomes of care in medical and surgical units, according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Areeba Kara, M.D., from the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, and colleagues describe a model of inpatient care and measured its impact in inpatient medical and surgical units. Outcome data were analyzed for associations with the implementation of the model, which included eight interventions rooted in improving interprofessional collaboration (IPC), enabling data-driven decisions, and providing leadership.
The researchers found that model implementation correlated with decreases in length of stay index (P < 0.0001) and case-mix index-adjusted variable direct costs (P = 0.0006). No improvements were observed in readmission rates or patient satisfaction scores. According to 95.8 percent of providers, the model was found to improve the quality and safety of care delivered.
“Creating an environment and framework in which IPC is fostered, performance data are transparently available, and leadership is provided may improve value on both medical and surgical units,” the authors write. “These interventions appear to be well accepted by front-line staff. Readmission rates and patient satisfaction remain challenging.”
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