Partnership Through Integration: Perianesthesia Policy Standardization

Abstract

Purpose: To develop system-wide perianesthesia policies, through partnerships, across 11 acute care hospitals and 1 ambulatory surgery center.

Design: A partnership culture was created and maintained throughout the development and integration of multiple site-based policies into system policies.

Methods: Policies were built using evidence-based practice and professional organizational standards with an emphasis on quality, safety, and standardization of patient care. Early and ongoing partnerships with key stakeholders were maintained in order to effectively develop the policies.

Findings: More than 50 independent policies across 11 acute care hospitals and 1 ambulatory surgery center were integrated and updated into 4 main perianesthesia nursing policies.

Conclusions: Flexibility and partnership with key stakeholders throughout the policy process was instrumental for early detection of barriers and the successful development of perianesthesia nursing policies.

Keywords: nursing practice standards; partnership approaches; policy development.