In 1997 Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN Senior Vice President for Patient Care Services and Chief Nurse introduced Collaborative Governance (CG) as an important element within the framework of the Professional Practice Model. Collaborative governance is the decision-making process that places the authority, responsibility and accountability for patient care with practicing clinicians. Collaborative Governance is based on the beliefs that a shared vision and common goals lead to a highly committed and productive workforce, that participation is empowering and that people will make appropriate decisions when sufficient knowledge is known and communicated (Patient Care Services Operating Plan, 2002).

Because collaborative governance is designed to optimize staff participation in organizational decision-making within and across disciplines, the evaluation of CG's effectiveness is essential in monitoring the role clinicians play in decision-making. The evaluation of staff empowerment is one strategy that has been looked at over a period of time to determine achievement of this goal.

Ultimately, CG is one initiative designed to facilitate the successful implementation of Patient Care Service's vision.

"As nurses, health professionals and Patient Care Services support staff, our every action is guided by knowledge, enabled by skill, and motivated by compassion. Patients are our primary focus, and the way we deliver care reflects that focus every day. We believe in creating a practice environment that has no barriers, that is built on a spirit of inquiry, and reflects a culturally competent workforce supportive of the patient-focused values of this institution. It is through our professional practice model that we make our vision a demonstrable truth every day by letting our thoughts, decisions, and actions be guided by our values. As clinicians, we ensure that our practice is caring, innovative, scientific, and empowering, and is based on a foundation of leadership and entrepreneurial teamwork"

VISION

Collaborative governance is a critical element within the Professional Practice Model that describes communication and decision-making processes and places the authority, responsibility and accountability for patient care with the practicing clinicians.

MISSION

Collaborative governance integrates multidisciplinary clinical staff into the formal decision-making structure of Patient Care Services to stimulate, facilitate and generate knowledge that will improve patient care and enhance the environment in which clinicians shape their practice.

Collaborative Governance Guidelines

Collaborative Governance Committee Annual Report 2006

Committee Application / Reappointment Form

www.MGHNursingResearchCommittee.org

Patient Education Committee