Broward Health Imperial Point has achieved “Exemplar” status for its Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) program, making it the first and only hospital in Broward County (Florida) to receive this distinction.
The NICHE designation underscores BHIP’s commitment to excellence in the care of patients ages 65 and older. It also recognizes the hospital’s ongoing, high-level dedication to geriatric care and the implementation of high-quality, system-wide interventions and initiatives that demonstrate organizational commitment to the care of older adults.
The “Exemplar” status — the highest of four possible program levels — was assigned following a program evaluation of the current state and future goals of BHIP’s NICHE program. The requirements include implementation of the NICHE Geriatric Resource Nurse model and evidence-based protocols on all applicable units, including specialty units; implementation of systemic aging-sensitive policies; inclusion of the input of patient, families, and community-based providers in planning and implementation of NICHE initiatives and assuming regional and national leadership roles.
“The NICHE designation and the ‘Exemplar’ status signal our resolve to provide patient-centered care for older adults,” said Sandra Todd-Atkinson, the hospital’s chief nursing and operating officer. “Through our participation in the NICHE program, we are able to offer evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches that promote better outcomes, positive experiences and improved care for our older patients. This leads to greater satisfaction rates for patients, their families and our staff.”
The annual Program Evaluation is used to determine the level of their NICHE program. The evaluation benchmarks program progress year-to-year, targets future care initiatives and provides data to use in gaining and sustaining support from institution stakeholders. •
