Clinical microsystems include the following elements:
● Core team of caregivers ● Defined population to receive care ● Informational system for both patients and caregivers ● Support staff, equipment and facilitative environment
The clinical microsystem model has been shown to be effective in neonatal intensive care units (Reis, Scott, & Rempel, 2009) and to increase quality improvement projects among medical residents (Tess et al., 2009). Additionally, using a clinical nurse leader improved quality outcomes in a hospital using a clinical microsystem model (Hix, McKeon, & Walters, 2009).
Chronic Care Model So far our discussion of delivery systems has focused on hospital nursing care. Increasingly, however, care is being delivered in ambulatory care environments. Additionally, most of the patients cared for in those environments suffer from chronic health conditions. The chronic care model addresses these concerns.