Driving Clinical Excellence Through Transparency and Collaboration
Topic of Interest
Capture Value of the CNS
Interprofessional Collaboration
Abstract
Transparency and structured reporting around nursing quality metrics affects engagement and acceptance of best practice. It also minimizes the likelihood of work duplication. The clinical excellence team in this organization identified inconsistent reporting as an opportunity to impact nursing sensitive outcomes. Through structured accountability and leadership, the CNSs evaluated evidence and collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to drive change ensuring best practice. With strategies in place for outcome improvement, the team created a dashboard for the leadership team which is shared on a monthly basis. This promotes transparency and fosters accountability among leaders for sustained change.
Each CNS evaluates individual outcome data, determining effectiveness of practice changes, which is collectively shared on the metric dashboard each month. By standardizing policies, verifying available supplies and resources, and coaching and mentoring bedside clinicians, the CNS promotes use of evidence-based initiatives across the hospital.
Responsible for five nurse-sensitive indicators, the team has shown success through a reduction in aspiration pneumonia and blood stream infections by 70% and 65% respectively. This impact equates to a cost avoidance of $600,000. Urinary catheter infections, pressure injuries and falls all have continued opportunities for improvement. Transparency in reporting facilitates leadership support and allocation of necessary resources.
A standardized reporting structure highlights the CNS expertise in systems leadership, coaching and mentoring and integration of evidence into practice. Additionally, engaging leaders as participants is a crucial element necessary for sustainment of practice changes.