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Learning Objective 1: 1. Describe the process of implementing an interdisciplinary approach to patient care planning.
Learning Objective 2: 2. Examine the impact of this approach on patient, organizational and interdisciplinary team outcomes.
Nurse-Driven Interdisciplinary Rounding to Optimize
Patient-Focused Collaboration
Kathy S. Menefee RN, MSN, DNP(c)
In the two years since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, increased emphasis on public reporting and pay for performance has been evident. The end result is an increased need for models of care that can deliver improved outcomes. Evidence supports that an interdisciplinary approach to care can make a positive difference in both patient and organizational outcomes. In the project hospital, a review of existing hospital data related to readmission rates and patient satisfaction indentified the initial need for improvement. Observation of the interdisciplinary team revealed a disjointed approach to communication and a lack of team collaboration. After consideration the decision was made to implement a patient-centered interdisciplinary model of care combined with the introduction of electronic care planning. This project demonstrates how an interdisciplinary model that includes nurse-led care plan rounding can be created, implemented and measured. Critical components of this effort included the establishment of a standard of care for interdisciplinary team collaboration and the development of a set of patient-focused guidelines for use during plan of care rounds. After a six-month pilot project, baseline measures were compared to pilot results to assess the impact of this effort. To measure the effectiveness of this effort post-implementation, a secondary data analysis related to readmission rates and patient satisfaction was conducted. Plan of care review data was used to evaluate consistent use of the patient-focused approach and interdisciplinary team feedback was collected to assess team collaboration. This project demonstrated that the presence of a collaborative interdisciplinary care process can positively impact the patient and the organization.