ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a patient care delivery model (PCDM) that redefined roles for unit-based nurse case managers and RNs to streamline care coordination processes. BACKGROUND: Aligning care coordination in acute care is essential to meet constructs of accountable care. METHODS: A pre-post descriptive study design was applied to evaluate implementation of a PCDM in an acute care hospital setting. Regression and correlation analyses were used to compare length of stay (LOS), readmissions, patient satisfaction, quality measures, and cost of care. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in LOS and negative patient responses related to nurse communication in the pilot PCDM unit as compared with the control unit. CONCLUSION: The model was supported as effective and will be implemented in other units in this hospital and across the healthcare system. A unit-based nurse care coordinator role is essential to facilitate interprofessional care coordination.
