Collaborative practice: a successful model

Recognizing the need for better collaboration, nursing personnel from two nonrelated health care facilities, acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, came together to establish a methodology to improve outcomes for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Focus areas were to facilitate communication and transition between hospitals. A collaborative practice model evolved for the patient with tetraplegia who is ventilator-dependent. This model has been successfully instituted in both institutions. This article describes the processes used in developing this model. It also includes recommendations for the reader to create a workable process in his or her respective institution.