Redesigning geriatric healthcare: how cross-functional teams and process improvement provide a competitive advantage.
This study examines the consequences of adding a geriatric subacute unit to the traditional health care mix offered by a nonprofit hospital. Historically, geriatric health care offerings have been limited to either acute care units or long-term care facilities. The study's findings demonstrate that the addition of a subacute unit that is operated by an interdisciplinary team is a competitively rational move for two reasons. First, it provides a continuum of care that integrates services and departments, thereby reducing costs. Second, it provides a supportive environment for patients and their families. As a consequence patients have a higher probability of returning home than patients who are assigned to more traditional modes of care.
Andrews
B C
BC
Augusta State University, Augusta, GA 30904-2200, USA. bandrews@aug.edu
Kaye
J
J
Bowcutt
M
M
Campbell
J
J
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000145:classification; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006754:Hospital Restructuring; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000458:organization & administration; D006788:Hospitals, Voluntary / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D019467:Subacute Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards