The American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONE) has developed valuable tools and programs like Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB) and the Care Innovation and Transformation (CIT) program to empower nurses in enhancing patient care. These initiatives focus on innovation, leadership development, and quality improvement to revolutionize bedside care delivery.
How AONE Supports Transforming Care at the Bedside
AONE’s commitment to TCAB is evident through its CIT program, which shares core principles with TCAB. These include rapid cycle testing using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology, learning communities with in-person meetings, and leadership support from Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) and CEOs. Both programs emphasize rigorous data collection, ongoing sharing of successes and challenges, and a commitment to spreading best practices.
CIT builds upon the TCAB foundation by offering targeted training for nurse managers using AONE’s leadership development resources, providing quality improvement tools, and aligning these efforts with national healthcare reform agendas. Participants identify a unit, team, or department to embark on a care innovation and transformation journey.
CIT Program Structure and Participation
The CIT program involves four in-person meetings over two years, monthly conference calls, submission of innovation logs, and a commitment to disseminating improvements across the organization. Past participants have included diverse healthcare settings, from critical access hospitals to academic medical centers, with teams comprising staff nurses, unit leaders, interdisciplinary members, and support staff.
AONE also offers a customized CIT program for up to 20 units within a hospital or health system over 18 months. This tailored approach provides the same benefits as the traditional program but with reduced costs and greater flexibility. While limiting interaction with external institutions, it encourages collaboration with pre- and post-acute care partners to foster innovation and improve care across the continuum.
TCAB Impact and Outcomes
TCAB and CIT initiatives have reached over 200 nursing units nationwide. One cohort tested 926 innovations, including adding discharge nurses to expedite patient discharge, implementing bedside reporting to reduce falls and pressure ulcers, and changing medication practices to minimize errors and save nursing time.
Investing in Transforming Care
AONE offers two cost options for the traditional CIT program, one including a Time Study RN personal digital assistant (PDA) for tracking nurse time and motion. The customized program provides a cost-effective way to implement CIT across multiple units. Resources are available to help organizations build a business case for TCAB, demonstrating its value in improving patient care and organizational efficiency.
Getting Started with AONE’s Resources
The application process for the CIT program takes approximately one to two hours. For inquiries, contact AONL at [email protected] or (312) 422-2804. AONE provides a pathway for healthcare organizations to embrace transformative change at the bedside, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and a more satisfying work environment for nurses.
