The American Nursing Association (ANA) is the national professional organization for registered nurses and healthcare professionals in the United States. The ANA advocates for the rights and well-being of nurses and patients, and works to improve the quality of healthcare in the United States.
In 2012, the ANA published a white paper on nursing care coordination. This white paper, titled “The Value of Nursing Care Coordination,” highlights the essential role that nurses play in coordinating care for patients across the healthcare continuum.
The ANA White Paper on Nursing Care Coordination is important because it provides a comprehensive overview of the value and benefits of nursing care coordination for all stakeholders involved. The white paper also provides evidence to support the centrality of registered nurses to patient-centered, high-quality, and cost-effective healthcare.
Key Takeaways from the ANA White Paper on Nursing Care Coordination
- Nursing care coordination is the deliberate organization of patient care activities between two or more participants (including the patient) involved in a patient’s care to facilitate the appropriate delivery of health care services.
- Nursing care coordination is important because it helps to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and ensure continuity of care.
- Registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are essential members of the care coordination team.
- RNs and APRNs have the unique skills and qualifications to coordinate care for patients across the healthcare continuum.
- RNs and APRNs play a vital role in advocating for patients and ensuring continuity of care.
- Nurses can enhance their care coordination skills by developing their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates the positive impact of nursing care coordination on patient outcomes, quality of care, and healthcare costs.
The Value of Nursing Care Coordination
Nursing care coordination provides a number of benefits for patients, healthcare organizations, and the healthcare system as a whole.
Benefits for Patients
- Improved patient outcomes
- Reduced costs
- Increased patient satisfaction
- Improved quality of life
Benefits for Healthcare Organizations
- Reduced costs
- Improved quality of care
- Increased patient satisfaction
- Improved patient safety
- Reduced readmission rates
Benefits for the Healthcare System
- Improved quality of care
- Reduced costs
- Increased efficiency
- Increased patient safety
The Nurse’s Role in Care Coordination
RNs and APRNs play essential roles in the care coordination process. They are uniquely qualified to coordinate care for patients across the healthcare continuum because they have the following skills and qualifications:
- A deep understanding of the healthcare system
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- The ability to assess patient needs and develop individualized care plans
- The ability to advocate for patients and ensure continuity of care
Strategies for Nurses to Enhance Their Care Coordination Skills
Nurses can enhance their care coordination skills by developing the following skills:
- Communication skills: Nurses need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, other healthcare professionals, and payers.
- Collaboration skills: Nurses need to be able to collaborate effectively with other members of the healthcare team to develop and implement care plans for patients.
- Problem-solving skills: Nurses need to be able to identify and solve problems that may arise during the care coordination process.
Evidence of the Centrality of Registered Nurses to Health Care That Is Patient Centered, High Quality, and Cost Effective
There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates the positive impact of nursing care coordination on patient outcomes, quality of care, and healthcare costs.
Studies
- A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients who received care coordination from nurses had lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays.
- A study published in the Journal of Nursing Administration found that nursing care coordination was associated with a reduction in healthcare costs.
- A study published in the American Journal of Managed Care found that nursing care coordination was associated with an improvement in quality of care.
Examples of Successful Nursing Care Coordination Programs and Initiatives
The following are examples of successful nursing care coordination programs and initiatives:
- The Chronic Care Management program is a Medicare program that provides reimbursement to healthcare organizations for care coordination services provided to patients with chronic illnesses.
- The Transitional Care Management program is a Medicare program that provides reimbursement to healthcare organizations for care coordination services provided to patients during the transition from hospital to home.
Accountable Care Organization (ACO) program is a value-based payment model that rewards healthcare providers for improving quality and reducing costs. ACOs are required to designate a care coordinator for each patient.
Conclusion
The American Nursing Association White Paper on Nursing Care Coordination provides a strong case for the value, importance, and benefits of nursing care coordination. Nursing care coordination is essential for improving patient outcomes, reducing costs, and ensuring continuity of care.
A Call to Action for Nurses to Take a Leadership Role in Implementing and Sustaining Effective Nursing Care Coordination Programs
Nurses have a unique opportunity to take a leadership role in implementing and sustaining effective nursing care coordination programs. Nurses have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to coordinate care for patients across the healthcare continuum.
FAQs
Q: What are the different types of nursing care coordination?
A: There are a variety of different types of nursing care coordination, including:
- Case management
- Transitional care management
- Disease management
- Chronic care management
- Population health management
Q: What are the challenges and opportunities associated with nursing care coordination?
A: Some of the challenges associated with nursing care coordination include:
- Fragmentation of the healthcare system
- Lack of reimbursement for care coordination services
- Lack of time and resources for nurses to coordinate care
Some of the opportunities associated with nursing care coordination include:
- Improved patient outcomes
- Reduced costs
- Increased patient satisfaction
- Increased nurse satisfaction
- Leadership opportunities for nurses
Q: How can nurses prepare for a career in nursing care coordination?
A: Nurses can prepare for a career in nursing care coordination by:
- Completing a nursing degree program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Obtaining a certification in nursing care coordination from a reputable organization such as the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS)
- Gaining experience in nursing care coordination by working in a setting that provides care coordination services, such as a hospital, home health agency, or ACO
Q: What resources are available to support nurses in their care coordination work?
A: There are a number of resources available to support nurses in their care coordination work, including:
- The American Nurses Association’s website
- The Association of Community Health Nurse Educators’ website
- The National Association of Case Managers’ website
- The Case Management Society of America’s website
Conclusion
The American Nursing Association White Paper on Nursing Care Coordination is an essential resource for nurses, healthcare organizations, and policymakers who are interested in learning more about the value, importance, and benefits of nursing care coordination. I encourage you to read the white paper in its entirety to learn more about this critical topic.
