Professional Collaboration In Healthcare

Collaborative practice is essential to providing quality healthcare. Professional collaboration in healthcare, as part of the nursing social policy statement, states that the nursing profession concentrates on the development of efficient working relationships. These endeavors allow us to achieve our health oriented mission as professionals. While I support collaborative practice, mutual respect and partnership must be key components to maintain its effectiveness. This shared involvement allows for the active participation in decision-making while accepting the shared responsibility for patient outcomes. Collaboration is influential for the safety of our patients, maintaining true integrity of the profession, and the trust of society.

Background

Nursing's social policy statement is a contract between the nursing profession and society. This document serves as a resource for nurses, administrators, managers, researchers and educators while defining the nurses' role within society. It also addresses the responsibility of fulfilling the needs of society through the promotion of health and well-being, collaborative effort, and continuing education. Nurses are autonomous within their scope of practice and require accountability for his or her knowledge and skills.

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The purpose of the social policy statement is to lay the foundation of knowledge, the standards and scope in which nurses practice, and provide quality care using evidence-based practice.

Nurses utilize the nursing process in the delivery of patient-centered care, upholding the standards in which we practice, and maintain a professional code of ethics. The sharing of knowledge and function enables nurses to remain focused on our mission.

Discussion

Professional collaboration in healthcare is a partnership that allows the active participants the ability to utilize their expertise and strengths to reach a common goal of patient-centered care. Each member's contribution adds a unique value toward the development and execution of the plan of care.

The purpose collaboration adds to our healthcare system, is the ability to enhance public involvement in health policy and maintain focus on health. The collaborative initiative recognizes that each party involved excepts responsibility both individually and as a whole. In order for this collaborative relationship between nurses and other health professionals to maintain its effectiveness and success, members must adapt to one another and recognize

diversity.
As an interventional radiology nurse, collaboration is essential for the safety of our patients. We are not the primary nurse caring for each patient scheduled for a procedure. Therefore, collaborating with fellow nursing staff, doctors, patients and families is crucial. Limited time plays a role in the ability to obtain sufficient information. Although this varies from

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My department uses a technique called SBAR (situation, background, assessment, and recommendation) in an effort to convey critical information in a structured manner. This method of collaboration enables individuals to bridge the gap in communication while promoting patient safety. Our procedural department encounters emergent situations that require a radiologic intervention any time of day or night. Patients often undergo various transitions of care, as a result. Unfortunately, these transitions do not go as planned and may result in untoward patient outcomes.

For example, a patient entered the radiology lab in need of a vascular procedure. Safety belts are applied to all patients upon transfer to the procedure table. However, due to time constraints, the belt was not applied and the procedure began. The nurse monitoring the patient for the procedure was not notified the patient was an amputee with a compromised neurological status. Subsequently, the patient fell from the table suffering multiple facial fractures. This breakdown in communication, and inadequate time provided prior to the procedure, resulted in patient injury. Proper collaboration is necessary in the delivery of safe, quality care.

When this interaction is inconsistent or incomplete, patients are subject to poor outcomes, injury, or even death.
Conclusion
The social policy statement reviews the vital role nurses play in society. It describes the knowledge and boundaries of practice, while maintaining our professional integrity. The collaborative efforts, among nurses and other providers, allow individuals to work together
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effectively in true partnership. The mission in the delivery of safe, patient-centered care, while preserving our trust with society, is pursued.