5 innovative nurse-led care models
The American Academy of Nursing recently recognized five nurse-designed care models that aim to reduce costs, improve quality of care and enhance patient experience.
The models, known as Edge Runners, were highlighted in a July 15 post from the American Hospital Association.
1. Post-triage care
At the University of Sydney in Australia, the History, Infection risk, Red flags, Assessment, Interventions, Diagnostics and reassessment/communication (HIRAID) Emergency Nursing Framework is a post-triage tool. Among 2,211 ED patients, HIRAID resulted in fewer deterioration events and improved the patient experience. More than 130 emergency departments across Australia have developed the framework.
2. Memory care
An Integrated Memory Care model developed at Atlanta-based Emory University delivers primary care-based services to patients with dementia and their caregivers. By integrating medical, social and caregiver support, the outpatient care model has reduced hospital admissions from 6.7% to less than 2%, saving an estimated $1.1 million each year for a 550-patient panel.
3. Online nurse residency program
The University of Iowa, based in Iowa City, created the first fully online transition-to-practice program for new graduated nurses. Since 2014, 54 organizations across 13 states have adopted the program, improving clinical outcomes and increasing first-year nurse retention by nearly 20%.
4. Trauma-informed care
The Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Telehealth System connects local healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas, with sexual assault nurse examiners via telehealth. The SAFE-T system also offers forensic tools to improve evidence collection, survivor support and legal outcomes, according to the AHA. The model has a 75% retention rate and 94% patient satisfaction.
5. Emergency training simulation
A second nursing education program at the University of Iowa was honored. The program, Simulation in Motion-Iowa, is composed of three mobile units that provide emergency training to rural and critical access clinicians. In its first three years, the program has conducted 650 simulations and delivered more than 2,500 hours of free education to 11,000 people, boosting emergency care readiness.