AACN Synergy Model’s Characteristics of Patients: Psychometric Analyses in a Tertiary Care Health System

Abstract

• Background Models for delivery of patient care that recognize the relationship between the characteristics of the patient and the competencies of the nurse are essential for high-quality outcomes.• Objectives (1) To test application of a case report form used to assess patients’ characteristics as defined by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Synergy Model for Patient Care in a general population of pediatric and adult patients and (2) to evaluate the internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the patient characteristics measure found on the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Web site.• Methods A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2 phases. The first phase consisted of secondary data analysis of 481 ratings of patients provided by 11 expert nurses. The second phase consisted of primary data collection of 279 ratings of patients provided by 116 general and critical care nurses. The case report form was used to rate characteristics of patients in both phases; a self-rated nursing proficiency scale was used in the second phase. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample. Correlational techniques were used to evaluate internal consistency reliability and evidence of construct validity.• Results The case report form based on the AACN Synergy Model’s characteristics of patients showed satisfactory internal consistency reliability and evidence of discriminant construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 2-factor solution representing an intrapersonal interaction factor and an interpersonal interaction factor.• Conclusion The case report form for assessing characteristics of patients showed utility in a general population of adult and pediatric patients, some critically ill and some not. Nurses without previous knowledge of the AACN Synergy Model were able to apply the model during routine patient care.

Relationship of Staff Information Sharing and Advice Networks to Patient Safety Outcomes

“…Finally, staff answered questions about their own expertise using a rating scale adapted from Benner 32 and used previously by one of the researchers. 33 Staff were then queried about their years of experience on the PCU, the shift they worked today, and whether today's shift had been normal, better than normal, or worse than normal.…”

Measuring Home Care Caseloads

“…This includes identification, establishment and maintenance of required services, and the maintenance of relationships across various providers, delivery sites, departments, and agencies. Ensuring the implementation of care while monitoring and evaluating client outcomes. Reassessing the client as required and documenting subsequent revisions to the care plan. Coordinating and planning discharge activities. Complexity —The degree to which an individual’s situation, condition, and/or health status is characterized by or influenced by a range of variables. 23 Guardian —A legally appointed individual authorized to make decisions for a client. For the purposes of the CIT, the term guardian is also meant to include agent or co-decision maker. Family —Any family or friend named by the client. Participation in decision making —The level of engagement of the client and family in comprehending the information provided by health care providers and acting upon this information to execute informed decisions.…”

“…For the purposes of the CIT, the term guardian is also meant to include agent or co-decision maker. Family —Any family or friend named by the client. Participation in decision making —The level of engagement of the client and family in comprehending the information provided by health care providers and acting upon this information to execute informed decisions. 23 Predictability —Expected or anticipated course of events or course of illness. 23 Professional health services —Pertain to clinical services provided directly by health care professionals. Resiliency —The client/family capacity to return to a restorative level of functioning using a compensatory coping mechanism.…”

Characterization of Cardiac Patients Based on the Synergy Model

“…Patient's specifications provide the opportunity for nurses to determine how to deal with each patient (9). Brewer et al (2007) compared the opinions of professional and practical nurses. They concluded that according to practical nurses, patients were different in three characteristics including vulnerability, flexibility, and participation in care while professional nurses believed that patients are different in all eight characteristics (15).…”

“…Brewer et al (2007) compared the opinions of professional and practical nurses. They concluded that according to practical nurses, patients were different in three characteristics including vulnerability, flexibility, and participation in care while professional nurses believed that patients are different in all eight characteristics (15). Recognition and understanding of these characteristics enables nurses to manage patients with different conditions, which in turn improves awareness and knowledge, participation in care, behavioral changes, trust in medical staff, reduction of future references, satisfaction, reduction of pain and complications, comfort and convenience, and quality of life.…”