How to start a direct patient care team

Many American hospitals are embracing the philosophies of continuous quality improvement (CQI) or total quality management (TQM). To date, case studies in the literature have largely dealt with administrative processes. However, CQI can also improve direct patient care (clinical) processes using direct patient care teams. The establishment of such teams has been an elusive task at many organizations, largely because of the traditional paradigm of the appropriate relationship between provider and patient. However, similarities between direct patient care teams and other cross-functional teams far exceed differences. Using case studies from two teams (HIV and chest pain) at HCA West Paces Ferry Hospital and Southeastern Health Services, this article suggests ways facilitators can help providers examine, redesign, and improve direct patient care processes.