IHI pilot improves direct care workforce retention

An Institute for Healthcare Improvement pilot reduced patient care technician and certified nursing assistant turnover in hospitals in Western New York and Southeast Michigan, while improving their satisfaction. Funded by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the multiyear initiative sought to catalyze transformative change in health systems’ cultures, practices and policies to make sure hospitals recognize direct care roles as valued, high-quality jobs. Direct care workers provided their ideas for change and explained what mattered to them. A multidisciplinary team then tested their suggestions and implemented the ones that worked. In addition to reducing turnover, six of seven cohorts reported patient safety improvements, including reduced falls and a decline in central line-associated bloodstream infections. The improvements were attributed to improved teamwork and staffing.