Fostering Clinical Success: Using Clinical Narratives for Interprofessional Team Partnerships from Massachusetts General

2015 AJN Award Recipient

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), long esteemed for its rigorous science and technical excellence, takes time each day for something seemingly unscientific: telling stories. Why? Research has shown that in today s high-tech, rapid-change environment, one of the simplest tools storytelling can significantly improve outcomes.

MGH s systematic use of clinical narratives has improved patient care and increased patient, family, and staff satisfaction while reducing costs. Used in conjunction with best-practice technical expertise, clinical narratives have become a key component of the hospital s evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation.

In Fostering Clinical Success, MGH nurse leaders share their model for creating, embedding, and fostering a narrative culture. Create a safer environment for your patients and improve the practice environment for your staff through storytelling and other evidence-based techniques presented by three nurse leaders at a premier U.S. hospital.

Marianne Ditomassi, DNP, RN, MBA, is Executive Director of Patient Care and Magnet Recognition at MGH.

Susan Sabia, BA, is Executive Editor of Caring Headlines, the biweekly newsletter for MGH Nursing and Patient Care Services.

Mary Ellin Smith, RN, SM, is Professional Development Manager at MGH in the Institute for Patient Care.