Implementing a patient-focused care delivery model.

In an era of healthcare reform, escalating costs, and constant change, methods of care delivery that will produce satisfactory patient outcomes while maintaining or reducing the cost of care must be developed. In an effort to meet this goal, Community General Hospital of Thomasville, North Carolina, implemented the Patient-Focused Care Delivery Model. This article explains the planning, implementation, and evaluation phases of this project. Positive and negative aspects of the change also are discussed.