It has been documented that a safe work environment that prioritizes process improvement may enhance patient experiences. An effective physician-nurse leader connection is one of the essential elements of this setting. Talk about an instance where you engaged or failed to engage a physician leader in patient experience initiatives.
What might you have changed or improved upon to do better?
What worked if you were successful?
Did any of these actions lead to safer patient outcomes? Why, or why not?
Guide On Rating System
Vote
In my role as a nurse, I have encountered a situation where I successfully engaged a physician leader in patient experience initiatives. We were experiencing frequent delays in patient care due to inefficient communication between the nursing staff and physicians. Recognizing the importance of a strong physician-nurse leader connection, I reached out to the physician leader and proposed the idea of implementing a daily interdisciplinary rounding process. This meant that the nursing staff would have designated times to meet with the physician leader to discuss patient care plans and address any concerns or issues.
To improve upon this situation, I could have better communicated with the physician leader beforehand to understand their perspective and potential barriers to change. Additionally, involving other stakeholders such as unit managers or clinical leaders in the discussion could have provided a more comprehensive approach to process improvement.
Implementing the daily interdisciplinary rounding process worked effectively in our case. It allowed for open lines of communication, facilitated timely decision-making, and improved collaboration between the nurses and physicians. As a result, we were able to address any issues promptly, streamline patient care processes, and enhance the overall patient experience.
While directly measuring the impact on patient outcomes may be difficult, these actions indirectly contributed to safer patient outcomes. By improving communication and streamlining processes, we reduced the likelihood of errors, delays, and misunderstandings in patient care. Additionally, the increased collaboration and engagement of the physician leader fostered a culture of safety and accountability, promoting a safer work environment for both healthcare providers and patients.