Interdisciplinary collaboration in the special care unit--Part I

Quality improvement (QI) activities in special care units can serve as a model of interdisciplinary problem identification and resolution for organizations that are moving from service-specific QI activities to organizational-wide activities. The transition from distinct unit-based QI activities to an interdisciplinary collaborative model at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Administration Medical Center began with recognition of problems that were identified during a Joint Commission survey of the special care units. Process improvements were made that resulted in improved interdisciplinary collaboration between the special care units, and a successful follow-up Joint Commission survey.