Managing Change and Conflict.
ANSWER
Leading Change in a Healthcare Center for the Homeless:
Addressing patient safety concerns and instituting a new quality initiative in a healthcare center for the homeless is a complex task. It requires effective leadership and management to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative, especially when dealing with challenges related to collaboration among staff members. Here are three evidence-based best practices for leading others through the change process in this context:
- Effective Communication and Transparency: Effective communication is paramount when implementing a new initiative, especially in healthcare. Ensure that the new medication storage policy is clearly communicated to all staff members, including Lisa and Tom. Use various communication channels such as staff meetings, emails, and one-on-one conversations to address any questions or concerns. Be transparent about the reasons for the change, the expected benefits, and potential challenges. Share relevant data and evidence supporting the initiative to build a shared understanding. Encourage open communication and create a safe space for staff to express their opinions and ask questions.
- Collaborative Leadership and Team Building: Successful change management often requires a collaborative approach. Encourage teamwork and collaboration among security and nursing staff. Conduct team-building activities or workshops to foster better working relationships. Recognize and celebrate team achievements. In the case of Lisa and Tom, consider joint training sessions or workshops to ensure they understand each other’s roles and the importance of working together for patient safety. Building a cohesive team can lead to smoother implementation of the new policy.
- Continuous Education and Training: To ensure that the staff is working together successfully and following the new policy, invest in continuous education and training. Develop training programs that focus on the correct storage of home medications, medication safety, and the role each team member plays in the process. Use evidence-based training methods and materials. Offer opportunities for staff to ask questions, seek clarification, and practice the new procedures. Monitor staff performance and provide feedback regularly. Continuous education and training will help mitigate errors and ensure adherence to the policy.
Now, let’s discuss how to ensure that Lisa and Tom work together successfully:
- Clarify Roles and Expectations: One approach to address the difficulties between Lisa and Tom is to clarify their respective roles and expectations. Ensure that both Lisa and Tom understand their responsibilities related to the medication storage policy. Emphasize the importance of their roles in patient safety. If there is overlap or ambiguity in their duties, define clear boundaries and responsibilities. This will help eliminate confusion and conflicts arising from role ambiguity.
- Mediation and Conflict Resolution: When conflicts persist between Lisa and Tom, consider involving a mediator or a conflict resolution specialist. This individual can facilitate a conversation between Lisa and Tom, helping them express their concerns and viewpoints in a controlled and respectful manner. Mediation can be an effective way to find common ground, build understanding, and work towards a resolution. Ensure that both Lisa and Tom have an opportunity to voice their concerns and listen to each other.
Methods to resolve conflict on your team:
- Conflict Resolution Meetings: Schedule conflict resolution meetings when necessary. Encourage open and respectful communication during these meetings. Ensure that all parties involved have an opportunity to express their concerns and perspectives. As the site manager, act as a neutral facilitator, and guide the discussion towards finding solutions and common ground. Document the outcomes of these meetings, including action items and timelines for resolution.
- Implement a Conflict Resolution Protocol: Establish a formal conflict resolution protocol within your healthcare center. This protocol can outline steps for addressing conflicts, from initial discussions to mediation if needed. Ensure that all staff members are aware of this protocol and understand the procedures for addressing conflicts. Having a structured process in place can make conflict resolution more efficient and fair.
In summary, successfully leading a change process in a healthcare center for the homeless involves effective communication, collaboration, and continuous education. To ensure your team works together successfully, clarify roles and expectations and consider mediation for addressing ongoing conflicts. Establishing a conflict resolution protocol can help manage conflicts more systematically. By following evidence-based best practices and addressing difficulties proactively, you can improve patient safety and the overall quality of care in your healthcare center.
QUESTION
Description
You are the site manager for a health care center caring for an urban population experiencing homelessness. After the identification of patient safety concerns, you have realized the need to institute a new quality initiative regarding how patients’ home medications are stored when they are admitted. This new initiative involves the cooperation of the security and nursing staff. While most of the staff understand and are following the new policy, there appears to be difficulty any time Lisa – a security guard – and Tom – an LPN – are working together. In 1,000-1,250 words, examine the following based on the scenario above:
Assess three best practices in leading others through the change process. These should be evidence-based best practices.
Discuss how you would ensure your team is working together successfully.
List two approaches you can use in having a difficult conversation to address conflict on your team.
Describe methods you would use to resolve conflict on your team.