A cardiac service line approach to patient-centered care.

The traditionally organized, functionally structured nature of hospitals is no longer affordable in today's economic environment. Managed care, the outcomes movement, and changed stakeholders have challenged hospitals to become more patient centered with seamless, streamlined operations. A service line approach focusing on patient populations across a broad continuum of care offers a system that maximizes results. Strong leadership that emphasizes a clear vision of the future, a process-oriented organizational structure, multidisciplinary clinical practice, performance-based management, and broadened roles that emphasize lifelong learning have contributed to the success of the cardiac service at Virginia Heart Center. Nurse managers have taken the lead at this center in achieving superior performance.