Trialing collaborative nursing Models of Care: the impact of change

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the project was to develop and trial a nursing Model of Care (MoC) and devise a framework to investigate the impact of nursing staff mix on patient outcomes and job satisfaction (nurses).

Setting and subjects: In 2001-2002 a pilot project was undertaken to explore issues related to the delivery of patient care by nurses on two medical inpatient wards, one acute and one subacute, at a referral teaching hospital in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The framework employed was an adaptation of, and based on, the Clinical Practice Improvement (CPI) model developed by NSW Health.

Primary argument: Countries across the world are seeking solutions to a shortage of registered nurses and their ability to sustain quality care services. It becomes imperative that organisations develop strategies to attract and retain nurses in the health care system.

Conclusions: Results of the project highlighted areas related to the quality of care delivery: clinical supervision; continuity of staffing; trust; employer of choice; more effective nurse to patient ratios; educational preparation; and recognition of prior experience.