title: Collaborative practice: a successful model.
abstract: Recognizing the need for better collaboration, nursing personnel from two nonrelated health care facilities, acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, came together to establish a methodology to improve outcomes for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Focus areas were to facilitate communication and transition between hospitals. A collaborative practice model evolved for the patient with tetraplegia who is ventilator-dependent. This model has been successfully instituted in both institutions. This article describes the processes used in developing this model. It also includes recommendations for the reader to create a workable process in his or her respective institution.
authors.affiliation: Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Greater Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Yanko
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation