Improvement Projects Led by Unit-Based Teams of Nurse, Physician, and Quality Leaders Reduce Infections, Lower Costs, Improve Patient Satisfaction

Improvement Projects Led by Unit-Based Teams of Nurse, Physician, and Quality Leaders Reduce Infections, Lower Costs, Improve Patient Satisfaction, and Nurse-Physician Communication

Snapshot
Summary
The University of Pennsylvania Health System uses unit-based clinical leadership teams, composed of a physician leader, nurse leader, and quality/safety project manager, to develop unit-specific initiatives designed to improve quality and patient safety. Team members meet formally and informally to develop and implement initiatives, with sharing of best practices across teams. Working collaboratively allows the nurse, physician, and quality leaders to develop closer working relationships and to create a sense of shared accountability for unit performance, a culture that spreads to other clinical staff as they implement these initiatives. The program reduced central-line–associated bloodstream infections (and the cost of treating such infections) and pressure ulcers, improved adherence to health system standard for medication reconciliation, increased reporting of errors and near-misses, and led to higher patient satisfaction and improved nurse–physician communication and teamwork.

Evidence Rating
Moderate: The evidence consists of pre- and post-implementation comparisons of key metrics on units adopting the program, comparisons between these units and other units that were not part of the initial implementation, and anecdotal reports from physicians and nurses.

Developing Organizations
University of Pennsylvania Health System

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