Let Experts Applaud Providers

Nursing organizations are taking an interest in the CareSeek LEAP fundraising campaign, a unique program whereby their members are compensated for time spent writing doctor recommendations. The invitation is sent to these not-for-profit associations, which then take the proposal to their boards of directors. The concept seems too good to be true…donations at a rate of $25 per 30 minutes of volunteer time, up to 10,000 nurse volunteers. That translates to $250,000. Where’s the catch?

The fundamental purpose of this LEAP campaign is to build the CareSeek knowledgebase of quality review content which comprises the basis of its doctor-recommendation service. Since nurses are most qualified to provide this input, the program compensates these healthcare volunteers for their time through a gift to their associations, which then promoting their professions. The potential outcomes of LEAP, standing for “Let Experts Applaud Providers”, go far beyond this content-for-donations plan.

First, nurses are being RECOGNIZED and VALUED for their VOICE. We already know that they are the most trusted profession, and now we are paying them, albeit indirectly, for their advice.

Second, nurses not only are the patients’ advocates, they now become the physicians’ ambassadors. That starts to change the relationship between doctors and their nurse colleagues and patients, for now the nurse experts can spread the good word about them. The doctors might  think twice before barking abusive remarks to their newly empowered spokespersons.

Third, nurses can directly influence the quality of care, by holding providers to a higher standard. As inside observers and knowledgeable participants, nurses know what skills are important for good healthcare, including good communications and clinical competence. With the honest ratings and reviews of trained healthcare professionals, doctors are being offered an opportunity to aspire to be the best.

The catch is that this could be bigger and better than just a fundraising program…this could change the relationships between patients, doctors and nurses. Through honest assessments and shared communication, these healthcare participants may find themselves working as a care team, instead of a hierarchy.