Authors

  1. Helfrich Jones, Mary Lou PhD, RN, CNAA
  2. Counts, Dorothy MA, RN, CPHQ
  3. Vinci, Carol MS, CIC, CPHQ, AAM
  4. Winn, Christine MHA, NHA, CHE
  5. Ball, John R. MD, JD

Abstract

This is the second article in a two-part series that describes an organization's approach to designing, implementing, and evaluating a communication system. Part 1 of this series, published in the March 1998 issue, focused on the design and implementation of this system. This article addresses the evaluation of outcomes related to identified goals to improve communication flow and decision making on multiple levels and to promote accountability for clinical and operational performance. Implementation strategies involving change management, emergency of issues with related implications, and planned evolution of this system also are discussed for ongoing organizational performance improvement.