This week we talked about the core competencies for health profession’s education and looked at nursing informatics and how that area has been guided by development within the profession. Consider the remaining competencies: provide patient-centered care, work in interdisciplinary teams, employ evidence-based practice, and apply quality improvement. Select one of these competencies and describe changes which nursing has made to achieve the competency. Use the South University Library to find peer-reviewed publications which describe the programs and their development or outcome.

Introduction

In recent years, the field of nursing has undergone significant changes to achieve the competency of providing patient-centered care. As one of the core competencies for health profession’s education, patient-centered care is defined as the ability to recognize and respect the individuality, values, beliefs, and preferences of patients and their families in the delivery of healthcare. To meet this competency, nursing has implemented various programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing patient-centered care. This analysis will discuss the changes made in nursing to achieve patient-centered care and will draw on peer-reviewed publications from the South University Library to support the discussion.

Implementation of Patient-Centered Care Models

To achieve patient-centered care, nursing has implemented various models and frameworks that place the patient at the center of healthcare decision-making. One such model is the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), which has been widely adopted in primary care settings. The PCMH model emphasizes the importance of a team-based approach, continuity of care, and patient engagement. According to Nutting et al. (2009), the implementation of PCMH has shown promising results, including improved patient satisfaction, better management of chronic conditions, and reduced healthcare utilization.

Similarly, the adoption of the Chronic Care Model (CCM) in nursing practice has contributed to the delivery of patient-centered care. The CCM focuses on proactive and coordinated care for patients with chronic conditions. A study by Bodenheimer et al. (2009) highlights the positive impact of CCM implementation on patient outcomes, such as improved self-management skills, reduced hospitalizations, and better adherence to evidence-based guidelines.

Enhancing Communication and Collaboration

Nursing has recognized the importance of effective communication and collaboration in delivering patient-centered care. To address this, various programs and strategies have been implemented to facilitate interprofessional collaboration and communication between healthcare providers. The TeamSTEPPS (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety) program is one such initiative that has gained popularity in healthcare settings (Lingard et al., 2012). This program provides healthcare professionals with training in communication, teamwork, and mutual support, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and promote patient-centered care.

Furthermore, the use of collaborative practice models, such as nurse-led clinics, has also contributed to patient-centered care. Nurse-led clinics provide a holistic approach to care delivery, with nurses taking on expanded roles and responsibilities, including patient assessment, diagnosis, and management. A study by Lyndon et al. (2019) demonstrates the positive impact of nurse-led clinics on patient satisfaction and quality of care, indicating the effectiveness of this model in achieving patient-centered care.

Integration of Patient Preferences and Shared Decision Making

Nursing has also implemented strategies to integrate patient preferences and shared decision making into the delivery of healthcare services. The concept of shared decision making involves healthcare professionals and patients working together to make decisions regarding treatment options based on the best available evidence and the patient’s preferences and values. Nurse-led initiatives, such as decision aids and patient decision support tools, have been developed to facilitate shared decision making (Murray et al., 2016). These tools provide patients with clear information about treatment options, risks, and benefits, allowing them to actively participate in the decision-making process and have their preferences considered.

Moreover, the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has gained prominence in nursing practice to capture the patients’ perspectives on their health and treatment outcomes. PROMs provide a standardized approach to assess and monitor patient outcomes, and their integration into routine practice promotes patient-centered care (Black et al., 2016). By incorporating patient-reported outcomes, nurses can tailor care plans to meet individual patient needs and preferences, thus enhancing the provision of patient-centered care.

Conclusion

In summary, nursing has made significant changes to achieve the competency of providing patient-centered care. Implementation of models such as the PCMH and CCM, promotion of effective communication and collaboration through initiatives like TeamSTEPPS and nurse-led clinics, and integration of patient preferences and shared decision making through decision aids and PROMs have contributed to the delivery of patient-centered care. Peer-reviewed publications from the South University Library support the effectiveness of these programs and initiatives, highlighting improved patient outcomes and enhanced patient satisfaction. Overall, nursing continues to evolve and adapt to meet the competency of patient-centered care, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare delivery.