Mercy Healthcare's CARE 2000: an evolution in progress

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Quality Improvement Science
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:

• Healthcare organizations face constant pressure to enhance patient care delivery.
• Implementing effective models for patient care redesign is crucial for improving outcomes.
• Mercy Healthcare San Diego sought to optimize its care delivery through a structured approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a patient care delivery redesign model at Mercy Healthcare San Diego.
• To evaluate the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration on healthcare processes and outcomes.
• To foster a culture of continuous quality improvement and shared governance.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Creative Actions Reflecting Excellence (CARE) model.
• Application of redesign principles within a shared governance framework.
• Engagement of diverse healthcare disciplines including nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, respiratory care, physicians, educators, and managers.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of the CARE model across multiple disciplines.
• Enhanced understanding and appreciation of interprofessional contributions.
• Measurable increases in quality of care, stakeholder satisfaction, and process efficiencies.

Conclusions:

• Interprofessional collaboration within a shared governance and continuous quality improvement framework drives significant improvements in healthcare delivery.
• The CARE model provides a replicable strategy for patient care redesign.
• Valuing diverse professional contributions is key to optimizing healthcare processes and patient outcomes.