Research conducted jointly by the AONE Institute for Patient Care Research & Education, ARAMARK Healthcare, and the Studer Group was presented this week at the American College of Healthcare Executive's 2008 Congress on Healthcare Leadership. The study, which examined nurse perceptions of hospital support service functions, reveals key behaviors for collaborative relationships between these groups and identifies areas in which service can be improved. Findings show that nine key themes are important to nurses when working with support service groups: communication; team work and adaptability; availability and accessibility of staff and resources; timeliness of response; compassion, consideration, positive approach and professionalism; knowledge of the job; proactive behavior; coordination of care; and responsibility and accountability. The research was designed to augment The Guiding Principles for Relationships among Nursing and Support Services in the Clinical Setting, a series of principles driven by AONE and ARAMARK Healthcare, aimed at helping hospitals improve relationships among nurses and support service groups. (AONE, press release, 3/12/08)