Communication system facilitates integrated patient-centred care.

At the Wellesley Hospital in Toronto, a unit designed to house patients awaiting placement developed a communication system to facilitate integrated patient-centred care. The system included a patient and family orientation brochure, an interdisciplinary kardex and an interdisciplinary patient goal sheet. Patient care improved under the new system, as staff was easily able to access current assessment data and establish and document integrated patient goals. Other outcomes included improved communication among team members, enhanced team member accountability, cohesiveness and satisfaction, and increased patient and family satisfaction.