Purpose/Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the clinical nurse specialist role in developing and coordinating a multidisciplinary intervention (MAGIC-Metabolic Assistance Group Intervention Clinic) for primary care patients with elevated LDL, A1C, and HTN.
Significance:
MAGIC (Metabolic Assistance Group Intervention Clinic) was developed to address elevated LDL, A1C, and blood pressure in a primary care setting. Primary care intervention previously consisted of individual appointments for medication titration and separate appointments for lifestyle interventions, with little collaboration with other disciplines during these appointments.
Design/Background/Rationale:
The rationale for this intervention is that patients have health problems that are preventable. No one healthcare professional can identify what prevents a patient from being healthy. A holistic review by a multidisciplinary team allows identification and analysis of issues that are preventing the patient from achieving a healthier lifestyle.
Methods/Description:
Each patient who attends this clinic is seen by psychologists, doctors of pharmacy, social workers, nurse practitioners, dietitians, registered nurses, an endocrinologist, and a clinical nurse specialist to address the specific issues that are preventing this patient from achieving national targets for cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure management. The ability of the patient to see a multitude of disciplines during a single visit is what distinguishes this clinic from other primary care initiatives.
Findings/Outcomes:
Since the inception of the MAGIC model, more than 700 patients have been seen by the MAGIC team, resulting in increased awareness of compliance issues for the patients and the healthcare team. Results of laboratory values seem to indicate positive correlation with attendance in the MAGIC program. Data will be available by date of presentation.
Conclusions:
Providing a multidisciplinary team improves patients compliance with medical regimen and provides more cost-effective care.
Implications for Practice:
The clinical nurse specialist is in a unique position to develop and support a multidisciplinary initiative in an outpatient setting.
Section Description
The 2009 NACNS National Conference will be held in St Louis, Missouri, on March 5 to 7. More than 350 clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), graduate faculty, nurse administrators, nurse researchers, and graduate students are registered. This year's theme, "Clinical Nurse Specialists: Vision, Value, Voice," demonstrates the essential leadership skills of the CNS as well as the CNS role in implementing evidence-based practice.
Seventy abstracts were selected for either podium or poster presentations. Again, this year, there is a CNS student poster session. The abstracts addressed CNS practice in 3 practice domains (spheres of influence), emphasizing patient safety and quality care outcomes, leadership, evidence-based practice, and new ways to shape CNS practice. Topics include CNS work activities incorporated into 3 spheres of influence-patients, nursing practice, organization/system-including the development of clinical inquiry skills among staff nurses, use of simulation technology, strategies to maintain clinical excellence, CNS practice in end-of-life care decisions, and many new and thoughtful ideas to support CNS education, practice, and research. Collectively, the abstracts represent the breadth, depth, and richness of the CNSs' contribution to the well-being of individuals, families, communities, as well as to the advancement of the nursing profession.
The conference abstracts were published here to facilitate sharing this emerging new knowledge with those who were unable to attend the conference. As you read each abstract, appreciate the intellectual talent and clinical scholarship of your CNS colleagues who are advancing the practice of nursing and contributing to the health of society through improved outcomes for patients and healthcare organizations. We encourage you to contact individual presenters to network, collaborate, consult, or share your thoughts and ideas on the conference topics. Watch out for next year's call for abstracts and consider submitting for presentation at NACNS' next annual conference in Portland, Oregon, on March 4 to 6, 2010.