Learning Objective #1: Describe the process to develop a model of care

Learning Objective #2: Describe the five themes in the Roger Williams Model of Care

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The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop a nursing model of care at Roger Williams Hospital based on the patient population served, national best practice models, and staff involvement. The study's two questions were: As a nurse or health care provider, what are the key characteristics to the delivery of good patient and family care at Roger Williams Hospital? As a patient or family member, what are the key characteristics to the delivery of good patient and family care at Roger Williams Hospital? There were forty participants who volunteered for the study. Thirty-five nurses represented all areas of the hospital and five participants from other disciplines. Six focus groups were conducted for ninety minutes each during February 2003. All data from the focus groups were transcribed from the tapes and the written materials. Data were reviewed and grouped according to priorities identified in the final group session. These data were clustered into groups according to the priorities identified by the participants. Five themes emerged from the data: Comfort, Competence, Compassionate Approach, Information Regarding the Plan of Care, and Respect. The Roger Williams Model of Nursing Care was written using these themes. Principles were developed within each theme using the language of the participants. The Roger Williams Model of Nursing Care was developed as an innovative approach to create consistent and identifiable practices across the different patient care areas in the hospital. As this model of care is implemented, patients, families, nurses, and all disciplines will know what to expect from the nurse. Using data from patient satisfaction, patient letters, nurses and other disciplines discussing quality care, and national models of nursing care as best practices, a unique model of nursing care was created reflecting the patients and staff at Roger Williams Hospital.