The American Organization for Nurse Leaders (AONE) offers valuable tools and programs designed to empower nurses in transforming care delivery at the bedside. One such program is the Care Innovation and Transformation (CIT) program, built upon the foundations of Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB). This program provides resources and support for healthcare organizations seeking to improve patient care, enhance efficiency, and foster a culture of innovation.
CIT Program: Building on the TCAB Legacy
The CIT program retains core elements of the TCAB methodology, including:
- Rapid Cycle Tests of Change: Utilizing the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle for iterative improvement.
- Learning Communities: Fostering collaboration and shared learning through in-person meetings and regular communication.
- Leadership Support: Requiring commitment and support from Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) and CEOs.
- Data-Driven Innovation: Emphasizing rigorous data collection and analysis to inform change initiatives.
- Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the dissemination of best practices and lessons learned among participating organizations.
CIT builds upon this foundation by incorporating targeted training for nurse managers, leveraging AONE’s extensive leadership development resources. It also equips nurse leaders with quality improvement tools and aligns these efforts with national healthcare reform agendas.
Key Features of the CIT Program
The CIT program provides a structured framework for healthcare organizations to embark on a transformative journey. Participants are expected to:
- Identify a Target Unit: Select a specific unit, team, or department to participate in the program.
- Engage in Regular Meetings: Attend four in-person meetings over a two-year period, supplemented by monthly conference calls.
- Track Progress: Submit monthly innovation logs documenting progress and challenges.
- Disseminate Innovations: Commit to spreading successful innovations to other units within the organization.
Participation and Eligibility
The CIT program welcomes applications from AONE members and non-members alike. Past participants have represented diverse healthcare settings, including:
- Critical Access Hospitals
- Rural and Suburban Hospitals
- Urban Hospitals
- Academic Medical Centers
- Rehabilitation Units
- Long-Term Care Facilities
Participating teams typically comprise staff nurses, unit leaders, interdisciplinary team members, and support staff, all backed by the chief nurse and quality leaders.
Customized CIT Program: Tailored Solutions for Healthcare Systems
AONE also offers a customized CIT program designed for larger healthcare systems seeking to engage up to 20 nursing units, teams, or departments. This 18-month program provides the same core benefits as the traditional CIT program but with greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness. The customized approach allows for tailoring content to specific organizational needs and facilitates broader implementation within the system.
Proven Results and Impact of TCAB/CIT
AONE’s TCAB and CIT initiatives have impacted over 200 nursing units nationwide. Participants have implemented numerous innovations, including:
- Dedicated discharge nurses to expedite patient discharge processes.
- Bedside reporting to reduce falls, pressure ulcers, and overtime.
- Improved medication practices to minimize medication errors and streamline workflow.
These innovations demonstrably enhance patient care, improve hospital performance, and boost employee engagement. For detailed information on calculating the business case for TCAB, refer to publications by Unruh et al. (2011) and Bolton & Aronow (2009).
Conclusion: Empowering Nurses to Transform Care
AONE’s CIT program, rooted in the principles of TCAB, equips nurses with the tools and resources necessary to drive meaningful change at the bedside. By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making, CIT empowers nurses to optimize care delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and contribute to a more efficient and effective healthcare system. Contact AONL for more information on how to participate in the CIT program and leverage these valuable tools for transforming care at the bedside.
