Shared Decision-Making is operationalized through the Nursing Councils, and it establishes the culture of Aultman Hospital by defining expectations for dialogue, listening and collaboration between staff and administration. To support the bedside nurse’s involvement in initiatives that improve patient care outcomes while improving nursing and patient satisfaction. Shared Decision-Making involves all levels of nursing from the bedside to the CNO with input from the interdisciplinary team.
Unit-based shared decision-making councils direct the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of the delivery of care specific to the individual practice setting. Direct care providers have an active role in reviewing the effectiveness of their care to promote quality patient outcomes.
Organizational-shared decision-making councils lead the culture of evidence-based practice. The organizational council structure is comprised of four nursing councils:
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Recognition and Advancement Council
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Practice and Education Council
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Quality and Research Council
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Management and Coordinating Council
These councils meet monthly. Membership includes representation from each unit council and the activities are facilitated by managers and executives supportive of the shared decision-making process.
Aultman Chief Nursing Officer Eileen Good, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, supports and promotes the activities of nursing councils. She said, “This level of commitment to listening to the voice of our professional nurses and continually improving our care has proven to be invaluable to the Magnet award that these nurses have worked so hard to receive and maintain.”
