“…A model of care is an overarching design for the provision of a particular type of healthcare service that is usually shaped by theory, evidence-informed practice, and/or defined standards. 4 Care models can refer to different aspects of the healthcare system such as patient pathways, 5 clinical decision processes, 6 service organization, 7 and skill mix. 3 This study focuses on models of care specifically related to skill mix.…”
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize the literature on measures and outcomes for skill-mix models of care.
BACKGROUND
To address the human health resource crisis, changes to skill mix within models of care are being implemented emphasizing the need to synthesize evaluation methods for skill-mix models in the future.
METHODS
A scoping review of the literature using a rigorous search strategy and selection process was completed to identify articles that examined skill-mix models in an effort to identify related concepts.
RESULTS
Ten studies examined skill-mix models. Areas of measurement in assessing the impact of skill-mix models included patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, nurse satisfaction, cost, and nurse perceptions of role changes, model effectiveness, and quality of care. Studies examining nurse satisfaction, patient satisfaction, and/or cost generally reported improvements upon skill-mix model implementation. Studies examining patient outcomes related to skill mix were inconsistent.
CONCLUSIONS
Factors for consideration upon implementation of a skill-mix change include education of role clarity, the number of unregulated staff who require supervision, and professional practice support.
“…A model of care is an overarching design for the provision of a particular type of healthcare service that is usually shaped by theory, evidence-informed practice, and/or defined standards. 4 Care models can refer to different aspects of the healthcare system such as patient pathways, 5 clinical decision processes, 6 service organization, 7 and skill mix. 3 This study focuses on models of care specifically related to skill mix.…”
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize the literature on measures and outcomes for skill-mix models of care.
BACKGROUND
To address the human health resource crisis, changes to skill mix within models of care are being implemented emphasizing the need to synthesize evaluation methods for skill-mix models in the future.
METHODS
A scoping review of the literature using a rigorous search strategy and selection process was completed to identify articles that examined skill-mix models in an effort to identify related concepts.
RESULTS
Ten studies examined skill-mix models. Areas of measurement in assessing the impact of skill-mix models included patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, nurse satisfaction, cost, and nurse perceptions of role changes, model effectiveness, and quality of care. Studies examining nurse satisfaction, patient satisfaction, and/or cost generally reported improvements upon skill-mix model implementation. Studies examining patient outcomes related to skill mix were inconsistent.
CONCLUSIONS
Factors for consideration upon implementation of a skill-mix change include education of role clarity, the number of unregulated staff who require supervision, and professional practice support.
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