Create a 2-4 page report on an interview you have conducted with a health care professional colleague. You will identify an issue from the interview that could be improved with an interdisciplinary approach, and review best practices and evidence to address the issue. This is the first of three assessments that build on each other.
• Length of submission: Use the provided template. Most submissions will be 2 to 4 pages in length. Be sure to include a reference page at the end of the plan.
• Number of references:
report on the information gathered during your interview. You will discuss the interview strategy that you used to collect information. Your interview strategy should be supported by citations from the literature. The goal of this assessment is to analyze the interview data and identify an issue that would benefit from an interdisciplinary solution. This could be an issue that has not been addressed by an interdisciplinary approach or one that could benefit from improvements related to the interdisciplinary approach currently in use. Additionally, you will prepare for your Interdisciplinary Plan Proposal assessment by researching change theories, leadership strategies, and collaboration approaches that could be relevant to issue you have identified. Please be certain to review the scoring guide to confirm specific required elements of this assessment. Note that there are differences between basic, proficient and distinguished criteria.
Additionally, be sure to address the following criteria. Please study the scoring guide carefully so you know what is needed for a distinguished score.
• Summarize an interview focused on past or current issues at a healthcare organization.
• Identify an issue from an interview for which an evidence-based interdisciplinary approach would be appropriate.
• Describe change theories and a leadership strategy that could help in developing an interdisciplinary solution to an organizational issue.
• Describe collaboration approaches from the literature that could be relevant in establishing or improving an interdisciplinary team to address an organizational issue.
• Organize content so ideas flow logically with smooth transitions; contains few errors in grammar/punctuation, word choice, and spelling.
Full Answer Section
Interview Strategy
The interview utilized a semi-structured approach, allowing for flexibility while ensuring key areas were covered. This approach, supported by Creswell & Poth (2018), facilitates in-depth exploration of complex issues. Open-ended questions were used to encourage detailed responses, followed by probing questions for clarification and elaboration. The interview was conducted in a private setting to foster a comfortable and open dialogue.
The interview focused on the following key areas:
- Current Handoff Practices: Describing the existing process, including tools used and personnel involved.
- Challenges and Barriers: Identifying specific issues related to patient handoffs, such as communication gaps, information loss, and delays.
- Impact on Patient Care: Assessing the consequences of these challenges on patient safety and outcomes.
- Potential Solutions: Exploring ideas for improvement, including interdisciplinary collaboration.
Interview Summary
Sarah identified a significant challenge related to patient handoffs between nursing shifts. She noted that the current process, while standardized, often suffers from:
- Inconsistent Information Transfer: Information is sometimes missed or misinterpreted, especially regarding complex patient cases.
- Time Constraints: Handoffs are often rushed due to high patient volume, leading to incomplete communication.
- Lack of Physician Involvement: Physicians are rarely directly involved in nursing handoffs, leading to potential gaps in understanding patient status.
- Variability in Handoff Styles: Differences in communication styles among nurses can contribute to inconsistencies.
These issues contribute to delays in patient care, increased risk of medical errors, and decreased patient satisfaction. Sarah expressed concern that the lack of a structured interdisciplinary approach to handoffs is a major contributing factor.
Identified Issue: Inconsistent and Inefficient Patient Handoffs
The interview revealed that inconsistent and inefficient patient handoffs present a significant challenge in the ED. This issue aligns with findings from the literature, which highlights the critical role of effective handoffs in patient safety (Joint Commission, 2017). An interdisciplinary approach is warranted to address the multiple facets of this issue.
Potential Interdisciplinary Solution
An interdisciplinary team comprised of nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and potentially social workers could develop and implement a standardized handoff protocol. This protocol could include:
- Structured Handoff Tool: Utilizing a standardized tool, such as the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) framework, to ensure consistent information transfer.
- Physician Involvement: Incorporating physician participation in handoffs, especially for complex cases, to facilitate shared understanding and decision-making.
- Technology Integration: Exploring the use of electronic health record (EHR) systems to streamline information sharing and provide real-time updates.
- Simulation-Based Training: Implementing simulation-based training to improve handoff skills and communication among team members.
- Regular Audits and Feedback: Conducting regular audits of handoff practices and providing feedback to ensure adherence to the protocol.
Change Theories and Leadership Strategies
To implement this interdisciplinary solution, several change theories and leadership strategies could be employed:
- Lewin's Change Management Model: This model, involving unfreezing, changing, and refreezing, could guide the implementation process. The unfreezing stage would involve creating awareness of the need for change, the changing stage would involve implementing the new protocol, and the refreezing stage would involve embedding the changes into routine practice.
- Transformational Leadership: A transformational leader would inspire and motivate the interdisciplinary team, fostering a shared vision and commitment to improving patient handoffs. This leadership style emphasizes collaboration, communication, and empowerment.
Collaboration Approaches
Several collaboration approaches could be relevant in establishing or improving the interdisciplinary team:
- TeamSTEPPS (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety): This evidence-based framework provides tools and strategies for improving teamwork and communication in healthcare settings.
- Interprofessional Education (IPE): Implementing IPE initiatives can enhance understanding and respect among different healthcare professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration.
- Shared Decision-Making: Encouraging shared decision-making among team members can improve communication and ensure that all perspectives are considered.
Conclusion
The interview with Sarah Miller revealed a significant challenge related to patient handoffs in the ED. An interdisciplinary approach, incorporating standardized protocols, physician involvement, and technology integration, could significantly improve handoff efficiency and patient safety. Utilizing change theories, transformational leadership, and effective collaboration approaches will be crucial for successful implementation. Future assessments will build upon this foundation to develop a comprehensive interdisciplinary plan proposal.
Sample Answer
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Enhancing Patient Handoffs in the Emergency Department
Interview Report
Introduction
This report summarizes an interview conducted with Sarah Miller, RN, BSN, a charge nurse in the Emergency Department (ED) at St. Luke's Hospital. The interview focused on identifying challenges within the ED, specifically regarding patient handoffs between shifts. The aim was to pinpoint an issue that could benefit from an interdisciplinary approach.