Collaboration Across Professions Improves Patient Outcomes

Summary

This video highlights the critical role of nurses in interprofessional collaboration, particularly in the care of vulnerable children. Mary Hirshman, Regional Nursing Director at Children's Medical Services in Southeast Florida, discusses the importance of nurses being integral to decision-making processes in healthcare. Through a case study of a ten-year-old girl with end-stage renal disease, the video showcases how nurses, social workers, and medical professionals collaborate to provide comprehensive care. The focus is on the importance of teamwork in improving outcomes for families facing complex health challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare decision-making, but sometimes are not included in key committees or boards, highlighting the need for more involvement.
• 😀 Collaboration is essential in healthcare, especially at Children's Medical Services, where teamwork is critical in serving vulnerable populations.
• 😀 Nurses are champions of interprofessional collaboration and serve as role models in negotiation and trust-building within healthcare teams.
• 😀 Mary Hirshman, Regional Nursing Director for Children's Medical Services, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in delivering care to children with complex needs.
• 😀 Nurses and social workers conduct home visits to understand the unique needs of families, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care.
• 😀 The story of Diamond Hicks, a 10-year-old with end-stage renal disease, illustrates the importance of coordinated care between medical staff, nurses, and social workers.
• 😀 Family-centered care involves close communication and support between caregivers, healthcare providers, and interdisciplinary teams.
• 😀 Interprofessional teams bring unique perspectives to the table, such as medical directors, nurses, and social workers, all contributing to the care of patients.
• 😀 Home visits by healthcare professionals are essential for assessing and addressing the needs of families in their own environment, improving care outcomes.
• 😀 The success of Florida's top HEDIS measures, which align with Medicaid and HMO criteria, demonstrates the power of interprofessional collaboration in achieving healthcare excellence.

Q & A

What is the main role of nurses in healthcare decision-making according to Mary Hirshman?

Mary Hirshman emphasizes that nurses should be full partners in healthcare decision-making. She questions whether nurses are included in decision-making boards and committees and advocates for them to step forward and be involved in these processes.

Why is collaboration important at Children's Medical Services?

Collaboration is critical because Children's Medical Services serves a vulnerable population of children with complex medical needs. It ensures that all healthcare providers, including nurses, social workers, and medical directors, work together to deliver comprehensive care.

How do nurses contribute to building trust in interprofessional healthcare teams?

Nurses contribute to building trust by acting as role models in negotiation and fostering positive relationships among team members. They bring a deep understanding of patient needs and facilitate communication between various professionals involved in the patient's care.

What challenges does the mother of Diamond Hicks face in her caregiving role?

Diamond Hicks' mother faces the challenge of being a primary caregiver while also undergoing dialysis herself. This dual responsibility highlights the importance of supporting both the child and the caregiver in healthcare planning.

How do home visits support healthcare decision-making at Children's Medical Services?

Home visits allow nurses and social workers to observe the patient and family in their own environment, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their needs. This firsthand insight helps inform the multidisciplinary team's decision-making process.

What specific example from the transcript shows the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration?

An example is the case of Diamond Hicks, a 10-year-old with end-stage renal disease. The medical team, including nurses, social workers, and medical directors, work together to address the child's medical needs while also considering the mother's health and caregiving challenges. This collaborative approach leads to better patient outcomes.

How has collaboration at Children's Medical Services impacted the care provided to vulnerable children?

The collaborative model has led to better health outcomes for vulnerable children, as evidenced by Children's Medical Services achieving top HEDIS measures for Medicaid. This success is attributed to the multidisciplinary teamwork that focuses on both the patient and their family's needs.

What does the success of Diamond Hicks' case demonstrate about interprofessional collaboration?

Diamond's case demonstrates that when healthcare professionals collaborate effectively, both the child and the family benefit. Despite her chronic illness, Diamond's emotional and academic stability are supported by the combined efforts of nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.

What is the significance of including both nurses and social workers in care team meetings?

Including nurses and social workers in care team meetings ensures that the needs of both the patient and the family are fully addressed. These professionals bring unique perspectives to the table, helping to create a more holistic and effective care plan.

How does Mary Hirshman suggest nurses should step forward in healthcare organizations?

Mary Hirshman suggests that nurses need to take a more active role in decision-making within healthcare organizations, including being present in committees and boards. This involvement ensures that nursing perspectives and expertise are part of the organizational decision-making process.