Model of Care |
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Saint Mary’s Health Care’s unique Model of Care was developed by our staff to promote the best and most efficient care possible. Initially implemented at The Lacks Cancer Center, the model then spread throughout the hospital - consistently producing positive outcomes in the areas of patient and physician satisfaction, as well as employee engagement.
Care coordination, consistency, communication, patient-centered care and hospitality are the backbone of Saint Mary’s nursing model of care—one that includes several elements, which makes it a very effective form of patient care: Nurse/Patient Relationship The "Pod" Approach Care Coordinator Advance Practice Nurse / Clinical Nurse Specialist Shift-to-Shift Reports Multidisciplinary Rounds Excellence in Action Advanced Technologies Nurse/Patient Relationship. At the center of the care that we provide is the relationship between the nurse and patient. This connection allows the nurse to become a part of the patient’s life for a period of time; to provide care and positively influence their body, mind and spirit. We believe that each nurse/patient relationship is unique and special, and that only by being truly present in this relationship can healing occur. It is this healing bond that reignites the nurse’s passion for his or her work each day. The "Pod" Approach. Patients are assigned to a “pod,” consisting of two RNs and one PCA per group of patients. The number of patients assigned to each pod varies based on the type of unit, patient acuity, shift and overall census. This approach is beneficial to patients because it provides a team of providers who are familiar with their care and daily goals/needs. It is advantageous for our nursing staff because it provides an additional RN to assist with care and added coverage for breaks and lunches. Care Coordinator. Care coordinators are RNs who function as point people for the patient, family and health care team, as well as overseeing the team approach to care delivery. Each care coordinator works closely with the care team to assure that patients are progressing toward the appropriate outcomes. Advanced Practice Nurse/Clinical Nurse Specialist. Each clinical service area has a Master’s prepared clinical nurse specialist who works directly with front-line associates to provide expert practice, collaboration and consultation services. Shift-to-Shift Reports. Staff members are asked to make shift-to-shift reports either at the patient’s bedside or, should the patient not wish to participate, outside the patient’s room. Bedside reports allow the departing RN to ensure that the patient’s primary concerns are handed off to the next shift safely and smoothly. Patients appreciate this practice, because they have the opportunity to meet the ongoing team and, more importantly, these discussions serve to involve the patient in planning for the next shift. Multidisciplinary Rounds. This exciting way to practice nursing establishes the RN as an integral member of a larger multidisciplinary team. Our multidisciplinary teams include a clinical pharmacist, dietician, social worker, spiritual care coordinator and advanced practice nurse. The team conducts rounds at the bedside and actively involves the patient. Desired outcomes, goals and follow up issues are determined during the rounds with the care coordinator. Excellence in Action. This is how we refer to the expectations that we hold close to our hearts regarding our associate’s interactive behaviors with patients, their families and each other. Grounded in the tenets of hospitality and service, we use the following as guiding principles:
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