NURS FPX 4010 Assessment 2
Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX4010
Prof.
February, 2024
NURS FPX 4010 Assessment 2: Interview and Interdisciplinary Issue Identification
A nurse leader from City General Hospital, a large healthcare facility, was interviewed to gain insights into the hospital’s challenges. The hospital provides various medical services, including emergency care, cardiology, and paediatrics. It is situated in a bustling metropolis and serves a diverse patient population. Although City General Hospital is well-known for its advanced cardiac care unit, it has struggled with staffing shortages and increasing patient loads. This has resulted in adverse effects on both patient care and staff morale. The interview aimed to explore the hospital’s difficulties, particularly about interdisciplinary collaboration and patient care.
NURS FPX 4010 Assessment 2: Summary of Interview
During the interview, Jane Doe, the Nurse Manager of the Cardiology Unit, discussed her responsibilities. She supervises nursing staff, coordinates with other departments to ensure effective patient treatment, and oversees patient care. Jane has over 15 years of experience and has witnessed various hospital operations and culture changes. According to her, staffing shortages and limited resources are significant challenges. These issues have led to increased workloads for nurses, affecting their ability to provide optimal care. She noted that previous leadership initiatives focused mainly on cost-cutting, reducing staff numbers and resources, exacerbating the problem. Jane described the hospital’s culture as traditionally hierarchical, sometimes hindering effective communication and collaboration across different departments. However, she mentioned recent efforts to foster a more collaborative environment, encouraging interdisciplinary team meetings and joint decision-making.
Jane recounted her experience working with an interdisciplinary team while implementing a new patient care protocol in the cardiology unit. The team included doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and administrative staff. This experience was enriching, as it brought diverse perspectives and expertise together, leading to more holistic patient care. The issue of inefficient patient discharge processes was identified during the interview. This problem often results in prolonged hospital stays and patient and family dissatisfaction. Jane believed an interdisciplinary approach involving nursing, medical, administrative, and social work departments could streamline the process, improving patient experience and operational efficiency.
An improvement project focusing on the patient discharge process could greatly benefit from the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. Planning would involve gathering data on current discharge times and identifying bottlenecks. The ‘Do’ phase would see the implementation of new procedures on a small scale, followed by studying the outcomes and impact on discharge times (Bendowska & Baum, 2023). Based on these findings, the hospital could refine the process and consider broader implementation.
NURS FPX 4010 Assessment 2: Issue Identification
During the interview with Jane Doe, several valuable insights were obtained regarding the challenges and potential areas for improvement at City General Hospital. One of the major issues identified was the inefficiencies in the patient discharge process. Adopting an evidence-based interdisciplinary approach by leveraging the PDSA cycle was suggested, with the active participation of a baccalaureate-prepared nurse like Jane. This project can improve patient care and operational efficiency by promoting a collaborative and interdisciplinary model for healthcare delivery. This approach can replace traditional hierarchical structures and bring about positive changes (Stoller, 2021).
Strategies to Gather Information
A structured questionnaire was developed to gather information during the interview in a systematic manner. The questionnaire aimed to investigate various aspects of the healthcare organization, such as the organizational structure, culture, historical and current challenges, and the interviewee’s experiences with interdisciplinary collaboration. It also aimed to uncover insights into the organization’s strategies to address these challenges and assess their effectiveness and outcomes. This comprehensive approach ensured a thorough understanding of the organization’s dynamics and its key issues.
During the interview, the inefficient patient discharge process emerged as a critical issue suitable for an evidence-based interdisciplinary approach. Several factors drove this choice. Firstly, the complexity of patient discharge involving multiple departments like nursing, medicine, pharmacy, social work, and administration necessitates a collaborative and coordinated effort. Additionally, improving this process can significantly impact both patient and system outcomes, such as enhancing patient satisfaction, reducing the duration of hospital stays, and optimizing resource management.
Interdisciplinary collaboration, when applied to the patient discharge process, has the potential to achieve remarkable improvements in patient and system outcomes. Enhanced communication is a key benefit, where regular meetings among different departments ensure alignment and clarity of roles in the discharge process. Collaboration promotes shared decision-making, with each team member contributing their specialized knowledge, leading to a more comprehensive and patient-centric approach. Efficiency is another critical outcome, as collaborative efforts are well-positioned to identify and rectify bottlenecks in the discharge process, thereby improving the overall utilization of resources.
To establish or improve an interdisciplinary team effectively, several literature-based approaches can be considered. Integrated care pathways, for instance, offer a structured framework for multidisciplinary care planning, which can standardize and streamline the discharge process. Regular interdisciplinary meetings are vital for fostering communication and collaborative problem-solving. Additionally, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of each team member can prevent functional overlap and ensure comprehensive coverage of all aspects of patient care and discharge.
Incorporating evidence-based practice (EBP) within the interdisciplinary team is crucial for effectively addressing patient discharge. This involves research and data analysis to inform the team’s approach based on current evidence on effective discharge processes. Benchmarking against best practices from other organizations can provide valuable insights for improvement (Kalmakis, 2020). Moreover, continuous evaluation and adaptation of strategies based on empirical evidence are essential to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of the implemented changes.
The interview provided vital insights into the inefficiencies of the patient discharge process, pinpointing it as an issue well-suited for an evidence-based interdisciplinary approach. An effective interdisciplinary team can be formed by leveraging the complexity of the process and its substantial impact on patient care and operational efficiency and incorporating literature-based strategies and EBP. This team would play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare organization, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and better resource management (Smye & Frangi, 2021).
Interdisciplinary Approach for Identified Issue
During the interview, the issue of inefficient patient discharge processes stood out as a prime candidate for an evidence-based interdisciplinary approach. Interdisciplinary teams consisting of physicians, nurses, DSNs (Direct Service Nurses), pharmacists, physician assistants, and social workers can greatly enhance the quality of care and improve patient outcomes. The patient discharge process is complex and multifaceted, involving various aspects of patient care that extend beyond medical treatment. It includes medication management, education for ongoing care, coordination of follow-up appointments, and ensuring social support systems are in place. Each interdisciplinary team member brings a unique perspective and expertise crucial for a comprehensive and effective discharge plan. For example, while physicians and physician assistants can focus on the medical aspects of the discharge, nurses and DSNs can provide insights into the practicalities of daily care that the patient will require. Pharmacists play a critical role in medication reconciliation and patient education regarding drug management, while social workers ensure that the patient’s social needs and support systems are adequately addressed (Williams et al., 2023).
NURS FPX 4010 Assessment 2
An evidence-based approach within this interdisciplinary framework ensures the discharge process is comprehensive and grounded in the best available research and practices. This could involve utilizing proven protocols and guidelines for discharge planning, ensuring consistency and quality in the process. By integrating evidence-based practices, the interdisciplinary team can address the specific needs of patients while also adhering to the highest standards of healthcare (Liu et al., 2021).
Moreover, the involvement of various professionals in the discharge process through an interdisciplinary team can significantly enhance communication and coordination, which are often identified as challenges in inpatient discharge. Effective communication within the team can lead to a more seamless transition for the patient from hospital to home or another care setting, thereby reducing the likelihood of readmissions and improving overall patient satisfaction. An interdisciplinary, evidence-based approach is well-suited for improving patient discharge processes. The diverse expertise and perspectives of the interdisciplinary team members, combined with a commitment to evidence-based practice, can lead to significant improvements in the discharge process. This, in turn, can enhance patient outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve patient satisfaction, showcasing the profound impact of well-coordinated interdisciplinary care in a healthcare setting.
Reasons for Interdisciplinary Approach
For several reasons, adopting an interdisciplinary approach to address issues such as inefficient patient discharge processes is highly recommended. This approach leverages healthcare professionals’ diverse expertise and perspectives, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers, to ensure a comprehensive and cohesive patient care plan. Each team member contributes unique insights crucial to the multifaceted aspects of patient discharge, encompassing medical treatment, medication management, patient education, and social support. Moreover, an interdisciplinary, evidence-based approach enhances communication and coordination among the team members, leading to more efficient and effective patient transitions from hospital to home. This collaboration improves patient outcomes and satisfaction and reduces the likelihood of readmissions, demonstrating the significant impact of a well-coordinated team effort in healthcare.
Potential Change Theories and Leadership Strategies
Developing an interdisciplinary solution to organizational issues such as inefficient patient discharge processes requires integrating potential change theories and leadership strategies. Change Management Theories like Kurt Lewin’s three-stage model of unfreezing, changing, and refreezing provide a structured approach to transforming existing processes. This theory is particularly relevant for breaking down entrenched discharge procedures and introducing new, more efficient interdisciplinary practices. Additionally, Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model offers a comprehensive framework that starts with creating a sense of urgency and builds up to embedding new approaches into the organization’s culture. This model is adept at ensuring stakeholder buy-in and sustaining long-term changes in complex healthcare settings. The ADKAR Model, which focuses on awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, and reinforcement, is also valuable. It ensures that each team member is prepared for and committed to the change, which is crucial in multidisciplinary environments where success depends on the collaboration of diverse professionals (Dietl et al., 2023).
Leadership Strategies play a crucial role in guiding these changes. Transformational Leadership is especially effective in interdisciplinary settings as it motivates and inspires team members to innovate and excel beyond their usual limits. This leadership style can foster a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability, which is essential in dynamic healthcare environments. Servant Leadership, emphasizing the growth and well-being of team members, can facilitate stronger collaboration and communication within interdisciplinary teams. This approach ensures that the team is well-supported and members are empowered to contribute effectively to the change process. Situational Leadership, which adapts leadership style to the team’s maturity and situation, is also beneficial. This flexibility allows leaders to provide more guidance and support during the early stages of the change process and to foster more independence as team members become more proficient in the new processes (Yamamoto, 2022).
These change theories and leadership strategies are supported by extensive research. They have succeeded in various healthcare settings, making them highly credible and relevant for addressing patient discharge processes. They provide:
- A robust framework for managing change.
- Ensuring team commitment.
- Achieving organizational goals in a structured and effective manner.
Most Relevant Sources
A recent study examined the use of the FOCUS-PDSA model in healthcare, focusing on processes and outcomes. This study is particularly relevant for understanding how PDSA cycles can be adapted and applied to enhance quality and process outcomes in a healthcare setting. The most relevant source for this study is the nurse champion. Applying these theories and strategies at City General Hospital involves leveraging the PDSA cycle with active participation from interdisciplinary team members, such as baccalaureate-prepared nurses like Jane Doe. This approach can significantly enhance patient care and operational efficiency. By utilizing transformational leadership, collaborative strategies, and evidence-based change management theories, the hospital can effectively address the inefficiencies in its patient discharge process (Abuzied et al., 2023).
Collaborative Approach for Interdisciplinary Teams to Address Organizational Issues
Collaboration is essential when addressing organizational issues in healthcare, such as the inefficiencies in the patient discharge processes at City General Hospital. To achieve this, interdisciplinary teams must harness the strengths of various professionals, each bringing unique skills and perspectives. Integrating diverse expertise, applying change management theories, implementing effective leadership strategies, and employing evidence-based collaborative practices are crucial to achieving a well-structured change process. By leveraging the varied expertise of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and administrative staff, the team can address all facets of the discharge process, from clinical care to logistical and social aspects.
Theories like Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory, Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model, and the ADKAR Model provide a structured approach to managing transitions from old to new practices. These theories guide the team through a systematic change process, enhancing the likelihood of successful implementation. Leadership styles such as transformational, servant, and situational leadership are effective in interdisciplinary settings where creativity and commitment are key to problem-solving. Integrating care pathways provides a structured method for patient care, ensuring coordinated efforts among team members. Training programs focused on teamwork and communication skills enhance the effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaboration, while regular feedback mechanisms allow for continuous improvement (Zann et al., 2021).
To apply these strategies to the patient discharge process in City General Hospital, a transformational leader should guide an interdisciplinary team through a well-structured change process. Regular meetings, clear role definitions, and integrated care pathways ensure effective contributions from each team member. Continuous training and feedback are essential for sustaining improvements. A collaborative approach for interdisciplinary teams in healthcare involves a blend of diverse expertise, structured change management, effective leadership, and continuous improvement. Such an approach ensures comprehensive solutions to organizational issues like patient discharge processes, leading to improved patient outcomes and enhanced operational efficiency.
Most Relevant Sources
The “Integrating Interdisciplinary Pain Management into Primary Care” study showcases the use of a PDSA approach to create an interdisciplinary pain program in primary care. It proves the effectiveness of PDSA cycles to integrate comprehensive care approaches into existing healthcare systems. On the other hand, “Leadership Strategies in Healthcare” focuses on understanding leadership and change management in the complex healthcare industry. This paper emphasizes the importance of physicians and administrators in providing care and making decisions that affect patient care delivery. It advocates for raising awareness about transformational leadership behaviours and developing strategies to enhance organizational performance.
Conclusion
Leveraging interdisciplinary teams and evidence-based approaches like the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, combined with effective leadership and change management theories, holds great potential in addressing complex healthcare challenges, such as inefficiencies in patient discharge processes. This collaborative framework ensures comprehensive solutions, improved patient care, and enhanced operational efficiency in healthcare settings. In the context of City General Hospital, these strategies can be applied to revamp the patient discharge process. An interdisciplinary team led by a transformational leader can use change management theories to transition from the current to the improved discharge procedures. Regular team meetings, clear role definitions, and integrated care pathways will ensure that each member contributes effectively to the reform. Continuous training, feedback, and adaptation will be key to sustaining improvements over time. By following this framework, City General Hospital can effectively address the challenges in the patient discharge process and ensure better patient care, streamlined operations, and overall success.
NURS FPX 4010 Assessment 2: References
Abuzied, Y., Alshammary, S. A., Alhalahlah, T., & Somduth, S. (2023). Using FOCUS-PDSA quality improvement methodology model in healthcare: Process and outcomes. Global Journal on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, 6(2), 70–72. https://doi.org/10.36401/JQSH-22-19
Bendowska, A., & Baum, E. (2023). The significance of cooperation in interdisciplinary health care teams as perceived by polish medical students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 954. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20020954
Dietl, J. E., Derksen, C., Keller, F. M., & Lippke, S. (2023). Interdisciplinary and interprofessional communication intervention: How psychological safety fosters communication and increases patient safety. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1164288. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1164288
Kalmakis K. A. (2020). Beyond the discipline: Nurse practitioner members and leaders of interdisciplinary research teams. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 33(5), 405–408. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000000376
Liu, P., Lyndon, A., Holl, J. L., Johnson, J., Bilimoria, K. Y., & Stey, A. M. (2021). Barriers and facilitators to interdisciplinary communication during consultations: a qualitative study. BMJ open, 11(9), e046111. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046111
Smye, S. W., & Frangi, A. F. (2021). Interdisciplinary research: shaping the healthcare of the future. Future Healthcare Journal, 8(2), e218–e223. https://doi.org/10.7861/fhj.2021-0025
Stoller J. K. (2021). Building teams in health care. Chest, 159(6), 2392–2398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2020.09.092
Williams, B., Doran Shelley, P., Patel, V., Prothro, C., & Reynolds, S. S. (2023). Using PDSA cycles to improve oral care compliance. American Journal of Infection Control, 51(1), 110–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2022.05.006
Yamamoto, K. (2022). Association between interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership ability in intensive care unit nurses: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Nursing Research, 30(2), e202. https://doi.org/10.1097/jnr.0000000000000483Zann, A., Harwayne-Gidansky, I., & Maa, T. (2021). Incorporating simulation into your plan-do-study-act cycle. Pediatric Annals, 50(1), e25–e31. https://doi.org/10.3928/19382359-20201213-01
