Practice models: a concept analysis.

T he members of the Organization of Nurse Executives of New Jersey Research Committee discussed the need to clarify the meaning of a professional practice model in nursing. Confusion regarding the meaning of this term and its essential elements exists. All disciplines use jargon, and nursing is no exception. Terms such as patient care delivery model, professional practice model, care delivery model, professional care model, contemporary care delivery model, integrated delivery system, nursing professional practice model, and professional nursing practice model are common in the nursing community, particularly at Magnet ® organizations. These terms are often used interchangeably or have overlapping elements. Nurses are often unsure of the definitions of these terms, and so can't speak to them with clarity and confidence, although they know the theoretical concepts. And different organizations may not have the same understanding and definition of a particular term. The members of the committee completed a literature review spanning the years 1990 to 2010 and a synopsis of the articles. The goal of this concept analysis is to establish clarification of professional practice models and propose a definition using Rodgers' and Knafl's method. 1 We concluded that the term professional practice model can be used to describe " any practice model that relies upon the professionalism of the care delivery term to improve patient outcomes. " 2 Uses of a practice model Nursing care delivery has changed tremendously in the last two decades. Hospitals from the 1970s to the 1990s functioned in a fragmented system that increased nurse frustration, job dissatisfaction, and an exodus from nursing. 3 Nurses left the bedside because of obstacles to providing care, such as lack of supplies, lack of ability to advocate for patients, and lack of participation in developing care plans. As the science of nursing builds its knowledge base, professional frameworks and models of care are used to guide practice. Practice models, as a blend of professional behaviors and clinical leadership , are a foundation that allows for mutual goal setting and facilitates the prioritization of patient care by the entire healthcare team. When a clear model guides practice, nurses can articulate the impact of nursing care. Use of such structures helps foster autonomous decision making; professional identity; job satisfaction; high-quality, consistent nursing care; improved patient and family outcomes; and interdisciplinary communication. Practice model attributes A practice model reflects nursing values that exemplify the culture of an organization. The …