SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Accountable Care Unit Implementation: A Mixed-Method Analysis

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This pilot study evaluated an Accountable Care Unit (ACU) model implemented on a general medicine ward at a 473-bed hospital in the UAE. The ACU was developed through multiple PDSA cycles and reorganized care so physicians were geographically co-located with care team members. The model included daily Structured Interdisciplinary Bedside Rounds (SIBR) and unit oversight by a nurse-physician leadership dyad.<br /><br />The study used a mixed-method design to assess effects on communication, collaboration, efficiency, patient outcomes, and experience. Quantitative measures included length of stay (LOS), LOS index, readmissions, and case mix index (CMI), comparing the quarter before and after implementation on the pilot unit, as well as pre- and post-intervention comparisons with two control units. Qualitative and survey-based measures included HCAHPS patient experience surveys and pre/post surveys of physicians and care team members. In total, 15 physicians and 80 care team members completed both survey periods.<br /><br />Overall, the ACU model was associated with improved collaborative care and more favorable outcomes. The results suggest that organizing hospital operations around a shared care team, supported by SIBR and leadership coordination, can improve both clinical performance and the experiences of patients and staff. The study concludes that the ACU model is a promising approach for enhancing teamwork, care efficiency, and patient-centered outcomes in inpatient settings.

Asset Subtitle

Deanne Kashiwagi

Meta Tag

Author List Deanne Kashiwagi, Mahmoud Kiblawi, Omar Khaddam, Raghad AlSakaji, Simi Shailamma

Category Research

Concept Accountable Care Unit

Concept Structured Interdisciplinary Bedside Rounds

Concept Length of Stay

Concept PDSA Cycle

Concept Physician-Unit Co-location

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Partnership With Mayo Clinic

Presenting Author Deanne Kashiwagi

Track Communication

Keywords

Accountable Care Unit

ACU model

Structured Interdisciplinary Bedside Rounds

SIBR

interdisciplinary collaboration

patient experience

length of stay

hospital efficiency

mixed-method study

UAE hospital

Accountable Care Unit

Structured Interdisciplinary Bedside Rounds

Length of Stay

PDSA Cycle

Physician-Unit Co-location