Examine barriers observed relative to the active involvement of a patient in their own health care process?

Patient Centered Care

Examine barriers observed relative to the active involvement of a patient in their own health care process?

Teamwork and Collaboration

Discuss teamwork/collaboration observed in a clinical week. Discuss how your observations will be incorporated into your practice?

Decision Making, Problem Solving, and Advocacy

Identify an example of decision making or problem-solving that was required by a nurse. What was the outcome for the patient?

Delegation and Prioritization

Describe a situation(s) that occurred during clinical experience that demonstrated delegation. Was the delegation effective or ineffective? If you were in the same situation give an example of how would you have responded differently?

ANSWER

The Vital Role of Teamwork and Collaboration in Clinical Practice

Introduction

Teamwork and collaboration are indispensable components of providing high-quality patient care. In a clinical setting, healthcare professionals from various disciplines come together to form a cohesive team focused on delivering comprehensive and coordinated care. This essay will discuss the importance of teamwork and collaboration in clinical practice, drawing on observations from a clinical week and highlighting how these observations will be incorporated into future practice.

The Power of Multidisciplinary Rounds

One significant observation during the clinical week was the daily multidisciplinary rounds. These rounds brought together nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to discuss each patient’s condition, treatment plans, and any potential challenges. The diverse perspectives and expertise represented in these rounds fostered informed decision-making and improved patient outcomes (Khan et al., 2014). This collaborative approach ensured that all relevant healthcare professionals were involved in the care process, facilitating comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans.

Effective Communication and Information Sharing

Another vital aspect of teamwork and collaboration is effective communication. Clear and open lines of communication between healthcare professionals enable the exchange of crucial patient information, ensuring seamless transitions of care (O’Daniel, 2008). I observed the importance of concise and accurate handovers during shift changes, where nurses effectively communicated the patient’s condition, ongoing treatments, and specific needs to their colleagues. This practice prevented misunderstandings and ensured continuity of care.

Leveraging Diverse Expertise

Collaboration among healthcare professionals allows for the utilization of diverse expertise, resulting in improved problem-solving and decision-making. In my clinical week, I witnessed the power of leveraging different perspectives to address complex patient situations. For instance, a nurse encountered a challenging wound care case requiring input from wound care specialists. By collaborating with these experts, the nurse developed a comprehensive treatment plan that optimized healing and improved the patient’s quality of life.

Enhancing Patient Safety and Satisfaction

Teamwork and collaboration directly impact patient safety and satisfaction. A cohesive and collaborative healthcare team reduces the likelihood of errors, as multiple professionals contribute their knowledge and double-check each other’s work (Rosen et al., 2018b). Furthermore, a collaborative approach ensures that the patient’s preferences and values are considered in decision-making, enhancing patient satisfaction and engagement in their care.

Incorporating Observations into Future Practice

Based on these observations, I recognize the significant impact of teamwork and collaboration on patient care. To incorporate these observations into my own practice, I will:

Foster a collaborative environment: Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines, valuing their expertise and contributions. This will involve effective communication, active listening, and respecting diverse perspectives.

Seek interdisciplinary learning opportunities: Engage in professional development activities that facilitate learning from other healthcare professionals, such as attending workshops or participating in interdisciplinary case discussions. This will enhance my understanding of different roles and perspectives, enabling more effective collaboration.

Advocate for teamwork and collaboration: Recognize and promote the importance of teamwork and collaboration within my healthcare setting. Encourage open communication, interdisciplinary rounds, and opportunities for shared decision-making to enhance patient care outcomes.

Conclusion

Teamwork and collaboration are crucial for delivering patient-centered care and achieving optimal outcomes. Through effective communication, leveraging diverse expertise, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, healthcare professionals can enhance patient safety, satisfaction, and overall quality of care. By incorporating these observations into my own practice, I aim to contribute to a collaborative healthcare environment that prioritizes teamwork and fosters positive patient experiences.

References

Khan, A. L., Khan, M. U., Shoaib, M., Yousuf, R. I., & Mir, S. A. (2014). Practice Nurses and Pharmacists: A Perspective on the Expectation and Experience of Nurses for Future Collaboration. Oman Medical Journal, 29(4), 271–275. https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2014.71 

O’Daniel, M. (2008, April 1). Professional Communication and Team Collaboration. Patient Safety and Quality – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2637/ 

Rosen, M. J., DiazGranados, D., Dietz, A. S., Benishek, L. E., Thompson, D. R., Pronovost, P. J., & Weaver, S. J. (2018b). Teamwork in healthcare: Key discoveries enabling safer, high-quality care. American Psychologist, 73(4), 433–450. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000298