The CKHS Patient and Family-Focused Nursing Care Model has components of both the Patient-Centered and Relationship-Based Care Models.
The Patient and Family-Focused Nursing Care Model supports the mission of Crozer-Keystone Health System with the patient and family unit as the primary focus of the health care team, which is led by the nurse and physician. Upon entry into the health care system, the nurse and physician develop a therapeutic relationship with the patient and family that includes ongoing communication, trust, care and compassion. This relationship is supported by all members of the healthcare team.
In discussion with the patient and family, the nurse and physician collaborate to provide evidence-based nursing and medicine in a caring environment that is conducive to producing positive clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Elements of the Model
Patient: The patient is the primary focus of all nursing, medical and allied health care. A patient is any person receiving outpatient or inpatient care within CKHS. The patient is a holistic individual with physiological, psychological, emotional, spiritual and cultural needs. Whether providing wellness, preventative, restorative or palliative services, the nurse, physician and other members of the healthcare team assess, diagnose, plan (with the patient and family), implement and evaluate care to meet those needs.
Family: The patient is a member of a family unit that is defined by the patient. This may be a spouse or significant other, with or without children; a multi-generational family household or an extended family. During hospitalization, the patient remains a member of the family unit which is a part of the patient’s inner circle. Both patient and family are included in the plan of care and provided with education to meet their care needs. Illness causes a disruption in the patient’s and family’s life which requires adaptation. Family members value communication with the health care team regarding the patient’s assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, and need to be in close proximity with the patient, being assured that the patient is receiving quality care.
The Community: While promoting wellness through education and providing preventative, restorative or palliative services, the members of CKHS work together to build a healthy community to live and work in and a sound environment in which to raise families.
The Nurse: The nurse is an interdependent practitioner who develops a therapeutic relationship with the patient and family within a caring environment. The nurse continuously assesses the patient, diagnoses actual or potential health problems, plans and implements evidence-based nursing care and evaluates the patient’s responses to care. In collaboration with the physician and healthcare team, the nurse assists in the implementation of the plan of care. The nurse keeps the patient and family informed and involves them in decision making.
The Physician: The physician is an interdependent practitioner who develops a therapeutic relationship with the patient and family within a caring environment. The physician assesses the patient, diagnoses medical problems, plans and implements evidence-based medical care and evaluates the patient’s responses to care. The physician collaborates with the nurse and other healthcare disciplines to provide care. The physician keeps the patient and family informed and involves them in decision making.
The Health Care Team: The health care team consists of interdependent practitioners and service providers who collaborate with the nurse and physician to provide specialized care to the patient. The health care team supports the therapeutic nurse-patient/family-physician relationship and provides care and services to meet the patient’s/family’s needs.
Caring Environment: While upholding CKHS core values and through collaborative and supportive relationships, the nurse, physician and health care team provide for patient and family needs in a caring and compassionate environment. This environment promotes wellness, healing and recovery, stabilization of a chronic health condition or a peaceful and dignified death. CKHS core values include: Superior Service and Pride, Integrity and Honesty, Individual and Group Commitment, Effective Communication, Professionalism, Employee Ownership and Commitment to Quality and Safety.
Clinical Outcomes: Working in a collaborative relationship, the nurse and physician implement and provide education to patients and families on evidence-based nursing and medicine to produce positive clinical outcomes for the patient. These practices are documented to measure their effects on clinical outcomes and to support quality improvement.
Patient Satisfaction: Evidence-based practice that is delivered in a caring environment by members of the health care team with a focus on the well-being of the patient and family and achievement of positive clinical outcomes produces satisfied patients and families. Patient satisfaction is documented through surveys and is utilized for continuous quality improvement.