Shared care: improving health care, reducing costs.

A new patient/family-focused care delivery system, "Shared Care," details its conception, development and implementation. Described are the redefined staff responsibilities, including ancillary departments participation, documentation form placement, early-on family training and involvement and the RN role and accountability. Since its inception, surveys show improved staff, patient and physician satisfaction, and a 10% reduction in cost per patient day while increasing the HPPD.