Problem Statement: Clear communication among health care providers is paramount. Communication failures lead to patient harm, increased length of stay, provider dissatisfaction and staff turnover. Effective communication is particularly important in the ICU if complicated care plans are to be effectively managed by the care team.
What is a Daily Goals Checklist? A daily goals checklist is a care plan for patients, which prompts caregivers to focus on what needs to be accomplished that day to safely move the patient closer to discharge.
Purpose of Tool: The purpose of this tool is to improve communication among care team and family members regarding the patient’s plan of care.
Who Should Use: All health care providers
How to Use: During morning rounds the care team reviews the goals for the patient using the checklist. Once a checklist is completed it is signed by the attending, given to the patient’s nurse to be kept at the bedside and the team moves on to the next patient. This form is revisited during the day as the care plan changes.
Publication(s) of Tool:
Pronovost PJ, Berenholtz S, Dorman T, Lipsett P, Simmonds T, Haraden C. Improving communication in the ICU using daily goals. J Crit Care 2003;18(2):71-75.
