Integrating the Synergy Model for Patient Care at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

The Synergy Model for Patient Care is a framework for professional nursing practice that emphasizes the unique relationship between patients and clinicians, which can result in optimal outcomes for both. Integrating this model into contemporary nursing practice at a freestanding children's hospital was accomplished by “backing into the model” and developing the “tools” that encompassed both the patient characteristics and the clinician competencies. In addition to creative educational activities for the staff, leadership support and communication strategies were paramount to effective implementation.