Formation of Specialty Care Teams and Impact on Patient Care Outcomes

Development of specialty care practice teams were identified as a need within the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit as there are a multitude of specialties that interface with each other in order to comprehensive care provided to patients. These teams consisted of interdisciplinary members beyond nursing such as surgeons, unit based physicians, respiratory care, case management, or other ancillary services directly related to influence care for that patient population. The nature of the team composition proved to be a challenging feat in focusing priorities. However, the discovery of concerted efforts proved to be the most beneficial tool in impacting care delivered to patients.

The new teams required that assigned staff become leads of the team, a plan was created through collaborative agreement in priorities for patients and team. Abides by existing overarching structural requirements related to team leading, seeks and provides feedback and mentoring in lead role. The members who join are also subject to similar requirements. Also leads and members should be sought out prior to placement on team, by seeking volunteers as well as management approval. Engagement of team members is by far the most important aspect of the composition.

Rather than focus on one patient at a time the team’s purpose was looking at improvement of specific patient population education, staff education, processes and organizational supports needed in order to continue change. Specific examples such as head of bed signage, OR to unit hand-off standardization, in-service education following transparent delivery of quality and patient safety data. Overall the implementation of Specialty Care Teams proved to be a successful adjunct as an impactful source of patient care delivery. However, there is still more work to be done. The institution of a Specialty Care Team with focus on specific patient care outcomes that are measurable, achievable and most meaningful to patient satisfaction and outcome is a valuable addition for any organization.