The American Academy of Nursing has selected Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates’ Mobile Care Coordinator (MCC) program as one of four innovative models of care to be named Academy Edge Runners for 2023.

Edge Runners are evidence-based, nurse-designed models demonstrating significant clinical, financial, community, and policy outcomes with proven sustainability and replicability. Each of these programs highlights nurses’ ingenuity and collaboration in developing new methods to provide care and promote health equity.

Guardian Nurses’ MCC program improves both clinical outcomes and health equity by providing high-touch, personal care coordination, and patient advocacy to union members and their families. When experienced registered nurses build trusting relationships with patients as they help them navigate the complex healthcare system, they also lower hospital admission and readmission rates through education and early intervention.

Mobile Care Coordinator nurses are currently supporting 17 health plans in the Philadelphia area, New Jersey, New York, and Seattle. Guardian Nurses is headquartered in Flourtown.

The Edge Runner citation specifically noted:

• Betty Long, President and CEO, Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates
• Rebecca Czarkowski, Vice President of Professional Practice, Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates
• Joe DiBella, Executive Partner, National Employee Benefits Practice Leader, Conner Strong & Buckelew
• Donna Zazworsky, Open Health Consulting
• Eric Armbrecht, Open Health Consulting
• Brandon Lodics, HIF Program Manager, PERMA Risk Management Services

“Poor communication and uncoordinated care are significant issues in our healthcare system,” said Long. “Guardian Nurses’ MCC nurses work diligently every day to improve clinical outcomes for patients, which, in turn, significantly lowers healthcare costs. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The other Edge Runners for 2023 are:

• Baby Steps: Nurse-Led Telehealth for Transition of Care
• Hawaii Keiki: Healthy & Ready to Learn
• SPEACS-2: Communication Training and Toolkit

“The Academy is proud to designate these unique and solution-oriented initiatives as Edge Runners. The diverse focus of these models highlights the wide range of services, vital support, and team-based approaches that the nursing profession provides,” said Academy President Kenneth White. “Each of these models applies nurses as innovative change agents who are addressing a specific healthcare challenge, whether it’s transition of care for neonates, building trust with members of the community, improving the health of students, or empowering nurses and patients when communication is limited.”

The program leads for each of these innovative models of care will be honored at the 2023 Health Policy Conference from Oct. 5-7 in Washington, D.C.

Learn more about how Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates is making the healthcare system work for patients and families.