Kramer, M., Schmalenberg, C., Maguire, P., Brewer, B., Burke, R., Chmielewski, L., … Meeks-Sjostrom, D. (2009). Walk the talk: Promoting control of nursing practice and a patient-centered culture. (3), 77–93. Achieving magnet status is important to many facilities throughout the country. Explain why shared governance has played a key role in implementing the concepts of patient-centered care.

In recent years, the concept of patient-centered care has gained significant attention in the healthcare industry. Patient-centered care refers to a model of healthcare that prioritizes the needs, preferences, and values of the patient, while also involving them in the decision-making process and ensuring their active participation in the treatment plan. This approach recognizes the patient as an individual and tailors care to meet their unique needs, ultimately improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.

One framework that has been instrumental in implementing patient-centered care is the concept of shared governance. Shared governance is a management model that aims to distribute decision-making authority and accountability across various levels of an organization, involving front-line staff, including nurses, in the decision-making process. It is based on the principles of collaboration, partnership, equity, and accountability.

Shared governance has played a key role in implementing the concepts of patient-centered care for several reasons. Firstly, shared governance promotes empowerment and control of nursing practice. By involving nurses in decision-making, shared governance provides them with a sense of ownership and responsibility for their practice. This sense of control fosters a culture of accountability, where nurses are motivated to deliver high-quality care that is centered around the patient’s needs.

Secondly, shared governance facilitates collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork. In a shared governance model, nurses work alongside other healthcare professionals, including physicians, therapists, and pharmacists, to develop and implement patient-centered care plans. This collaboration ensures that each member of the healthcare team contributes their expertise and perspective, resulting in a comprehensive and holistic approach to patient care.

Furthermore, shared governance promotes continuous education and professional development. In a shared governance model, nurses have the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes that impact their practice. This involvement exposes them to new ideas, research, and best practices, allowing for ongoing learning and growth. By staying up-to-date with the latest evidence-based practices, nurses can provide the highest quality of care to their patients, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

Additionally, shared governance fosters a culture of innovation and quality improvement. By involving frontline staff in decision-making, shared governance encourages them to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes. This culture of continuous improvement promotes the development and implementation of new ideas, interventions, and technologies, all aimed at enhancing patient-centered care. Through active participation in shared governance processes, nurses are empowered to drive change and contribute to the development of best practices in patient care.

Moreover, shared governance strengthens the voice and advocacy of nurses. By involving nurses in decision-making processes, shared governance ensures that their perspectives, experiences, and concerns are heard and valued. Nurses are on the frontlines of patient care and possess valuable insights into the patients’ needs and preferences. By including nurses in the decision-making process, shared governance allows for the integration of these insights into the development of patient-centered care plans, resulting in care that is truly focused on the patient.

Overall, shared governance has played a key role in implementing the concepts of patient-centered care. By promoting empowerment, collaboration, education, innovation, and advocacy, shared governance has created an environment where patient-centered care thrives. It has provided nurses with the opportunity to take ownership of their practice, collaborate with interprofessional teams, continuously learn and improve, innovate, and advocate for their patients. These outcomes are all essential for the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care, making shared governance an integral component of achieving magnet status and ensuring excellence in healthcare organizations.