A program evaluation of the Patient CaringTouch System: A pre- and postimplementation assessment

Abstract Background The Patient CaringTouch System (PCTS) is an innovative, strategic and patient-centric framework developed by the Army Nurse Corps for nursing care delivery that is designed to reduce nursing care variation and improve patient and nurse outcomes. Purpose This manuscript describes a program evaluation of the PCTS. Methods A pre and post design was used to describe changes in patient and nursing measures following PCTS implementation. Discussion Overall there was a good uptake of the PCTS; however, concurrent with initiation of the PCTS, declines in staffing levels and increases in patient acuity were noted. Medication administration error rates declined, but fall with injury rates increased. Pain reassessment following pain medication administration improved, as did several aspects of the nursing practice environment. Nurses’ job dissatisfaction and intent to leave increased; however, potentially preventable losses decreased. Conclusions The program evaluation results will be used to target areas for improvement so that the PCTS may be sustained.