REDUCING VARIATION IN PATIENT-CARE - NURSING RESPONDS TO CAPITATION

As managed care and capitation methods of payment more common to hospi tals. a strategy to improve quality and reduce costs is introduced in response introduced in response to these new pressures. Nursing leader s must take the initiative and respond to these changes by reducing th e variations in patient care. The author describes seven initiatives u ndertaken by the nursing leaders of The St. Joseph Healthcare System i n Albuquerque, New Mexico, during a 3-year period. The success of thes e initiatives and their universal application is discussed.