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Embedding Convergent Care Theory: Implementing a System-wide Clinical Inquiry Model to Optimize Healthcare Outcomes
Penelope Gorsuch1, Karrie Boss, Seungman Kim
1Assistant Professor, Nursing Leadership & Strategy in Healthcare Specialty Track Director (Dr Gorsuch), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; System Director Evidence-Based Practice (Dr Boss), Summa Health, Akron, OH; Sr. Research Associate (Dr Kim), School of Nursing, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; Dean and Professor, School of Nursing (Dr Wei), Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX.
Objective:
Describe the development and implementation of a theory-informed professional practice model (PPM) and examine associated workforce, quality, engagement, and financial outcomes.
Background:
Healthcare organizations face persistent challenges related to workforce turnover, disengagement, and fragmented care delivery. PPMs align nursing practice, leadership, and outcomes, but are often insufficiently operationalized.
Methods:
This evidence-based practice QI initiative implemented a PPM grounded in Convergent Care Theory using a structured, multiphase clinical inquiry infrastructure. Aggregated organizational data were analyzed to assess workforce, patient quality and safety, staff engagement, and conservative cost avoidance.
Results:
More than 2500 nurses engaged in system-wide inquiry and strategic planning. One-year RN turnover decreased from 22.14% to 10.42% (P=0.002), associated with an estimated $4.6 million in conservative cost avoidance. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates decreased by 48%, and Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades improved.
Conclusions:
Operationalizing theory through a system-wide PPM improved workforce retention, patient outcomes, engagement, and organizational cost avoidance.
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