Translating caring theory into practice: the Carolina Care Model.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Theory
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Swanson Caring Theory provides a framework for understanding and delivering compassionate care.
• Healthcare organizations face challenges in consistently meeting high standards of patient care and satisfaction.
• Transforming cultural norms is essential for effective implementation of new care models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the operationalization of Swanson Caring Theory within a healthcare organization.
• To introduce the Carolina Care Model as a means to actualize caring theory and improve patient outcomes.
• To outline the strategies used to transform cultural norms and enhance care delivery.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of the Carolina Care Model at University of North Carolina Hospitals.
• Integration of Swanson Caring Theory principles into the Professional Practice Model.
• Evaluation of the model's impact on patient satisfaction and hospital experience.

Main Results:

• The Carolina Care Model successfully actualized caring theory in practice.
• Implementation led to enhanced patient and family hospital experiences.
• The model facilitated desired patient outcomes and improved standards of performance.

Conclusions:

• Operationalizing caring theory through a structured model like Carolina Care can transform healthcare practices.
• The model demonstrates a viable approach to improving patient satisfaction and overall hospital experience.
• Consistent high standards of performance are achievable through evidence-based care delivery models.