A Multidisciplinary Approach for Improving Outcomes
- 1 January 2003
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Wolters Kluwer Health in Journal of Infusion Nursing
- Vol. 26 (1) , 34-43
- https://doi.org/10.1097/00129804-200301000-00005
Abstract
The healthcare environment has been impacted tremendously by higher patient acuity, cost-cutting measures, an increase in litigation, and increased expectations by an educated generation of healthcare consumers. This has led to the need to continually measure, assess, and improve quality. These activities must consider not only patient clinical outcomes, but also customer service ratings and financial outcomes. Quality improvement requires a collaborative approach to succeed, and the need to build a cohesive and effective multidisciplinary team is critical for positive outcomes. Strategies to build a culture of teamwork include incorporating total quality management principles into every level of the organization, seeking participation from every discipline and level of the organization, and recognizing employees for their efforts. Infusion nurses have an excellent opportunity to contribute their expertise to any multidisciplinary team that impacts the outcomes of infusion patients. In addition, team-building and quality improvement may prove to be excellent career moves for infusion nurses looking to further specialize their practice.Keywords
This publication has 7 references indexed in Scilit:
- Changing the System: A Quality Management Approach to Pressure InjuriesJournal for Healthcare Quality, 2001
- No Need for PainJournal for Healthcare Quality, 2000
- Using a Process Action Team to Improve Patient EducationJournal for Healthcare Quality, 1999
- Applying the Performance Improvement Team Concept to the Medication Order ProcessJournal for Healthcare Quality, 1998
- Continuous Quality Improvement Techniques Enhance HMO Membersʼ Immunization RatesJournal for Healthcare Quality, 1998
- The Role of Outcomes in Quality Assessment and AssuranceQRB - Quality Review Bulletin, 1992
- Developmental sequence in small groups.Psychological Bulletin, 1965