Analysis Of A Pertinent Healthcare Issue In This Module D

Analysis of a Pertinent Healthcare Issue In this modules D

In this assignment, I am tasked with developing a comprehensive 3- to 4-page paper addressed to my organization’s leadership team. The paper must thoroughly analyze a selected national healthcare issue or stressor, focusing on its impact on the work setting, supported by organizational data when necessary. Additionally, I must summarize two scholarly articles that discuss change strategies implemented by healthcare organizations to address this issue, and explain how these strategies can influence my organization both positively and negatively, with specific examples. The assignment emphasizes a detailed, evidence-based discussion rooted in scholarly research and organizational context.

Paper For Above instruction

The healthcare landscape is continually evolving, driven by complex challenges that necessitate adaptive strategies and collaborative efforts across multidisciplinary teams. One of the prevailing issues within this dynamic environment is the fragmentation of collaboration between nurses and physicians, which significantly impacts patient care quality, safety, and organizational efficiency. This paper aims to analyze this pertinent healthcare stressor, especially focusing on the concept of co-management between nurses and physicians, its influence on hospital practices, and the implementation of change strategies to foster better teamwork and clinical outcomes.

Understanding the scope of this issue requires first examining its nature and implications within the healthcare organization. Poor communication and limited autonomy of nurses have been identified as key barriers to effective collaborative practice. In many hospitals, nurses operate under strict supervisory relationships that restrict their capacity to make independent clinical decisions, often delaying patient care or leading to suboptimal outcomes. For instance, a study by Norful et al. (2018) highlights how restrictive supervisory relationships diminish nurses' ability to perform tasks efficiently, thereby increasing workload, reducing job satisfaction, and potentially compromising patient safety. Such systemic limitations not only affect patient outcomes but also contribute to staff turnover and hinder staff development efforts.

Quantifying the organizational impact involves analyzing internal data such as patient satisfaction scores, incident reports related to miscommunication, and staff workload metrics. For example, a hospital data review might reveal an increase in adverse events or readmission rates linked to delays in decision-making or communication breakdowns between nurses and physicians. These indicators underscore the pressing need to address communication barriers and empower nurses through revised models of care that promote collaborative decision-making, autonomy, and mutual respect.

To understand how other organizations are tackling this issue, I reviewed two scholarly articles that explore change strategies aimed at enhancing interprofessional collaboration. The first article by Norful et al. (2018) presents a theoretical model of nurse practitioner–physician co-management designed to alleviate primary care strain. This model emphasizes shared decision-making, role clarity, and joint accountability, which collectively contribute to improved patient outcomes and staff satisfaction. The second article by Wen et al. (2017) examines electronic health system (HIS) implementations in China, noting how improved communication interfaces and interoperability can bridge gaps between physicians and nurses, fostering clearer, more efficient exchanges of information.

Both articles underscore strategic interventions such as implementing structured communication protocols, interprofessional training programs, and technological enhancements to facilitate collaboration. For example, adopting standardized handoff procedures like SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) has been shown to reduce communication errors (Wen et al., 2017). Moreover, integrating joint training sessions fosters mutual understanding of roles and responsibilities, which enhances trust and teamwork. These strategies have demonstrated positive impacts on patient safety, staff morale, and organizational efficiency in various healthcare settings.

Applying these insights to my organization involves considering both the potential benefits and challenges. The adoption of co-management models and technological solutions could lead to more autonomous and accountable nursing practices, thereby improving response times and patient outcomes. For instance, empowering nurses to directly order certain tests or medications within predefined protocols can streamline care processes. However, negatives may include resistance from physicians unaccustomed to shared authority, as well as the need for substantial investment in staff training and technology upgrades. Additionally, fostering cultural change within the organization may require sustained leadership commitment and clear change management strategies.

In conclusion, addressing the healthcare stressor of limited nurse-physician collaboration involves implementing evidence-based change strategies aimed at fostering communication, mutual respect, and role clarity. Leveraging theoretical models such as co-management and technological improvements can positively impact organizational effectiveness, patient safety, and staff satisfaction. Leaders should consider tailored approaches to overcome potential barriers, ensuring sustainable improvements that align with organizational goals and healthcare standards.

References

  • Norful, A. A., de Jacq, K., Carlino, R., & Poghosyan, L. (2018). Nurse practitioner–physician comanagement: a theoretical model to alleviate primary care strain. The Annals of Family Medicine, 16(3), 263–268.
  • Wen, D., Zhang, X., Wan, J., Fu, J., & Lei, J. (2017). The challenges of emerging HISs in bridging the communication gaps among physicians and nurses in China: an interview study. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 17(1), 109.
  • Marshall, E. S., & Broome, M. (2017). Transformational leadership in nursing: from expert clinician to influential leader. Springer Publishing.
  • Norful, A. A., de Jacq, K., Carlino, R., & Poghosyan, L. (2018). Nurse practitioner–physician co-management: a theoretical model to alleviate primary care strain. The Annals of Family Medicine, 16(3), 263–268.
  • Amadi, R. H. (2020). Improving interprofessional collaboration between physicians and nurse practitioners in virtual primary care telehealth through co-management education (Doctoral dissertation). Walden University.
  • Wen, D., Zhang, X., Wan, J., Fu, J., & Lei, J. (2017). The challenges of emerging HISs in bridging the communication gaps among physicians and nurses in China: an interview study. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 17(1), 109.
  • Marshall, E. S., & Broome, M. (2017). Transformational leadership in nursing: from expert clinician to influential leader. Springer Publishing.
  • Norful, A. A., de Jacq, K., Carlino, R., & Poghosyan, L. (2018). Nurse practitioner–physician co-management: a theoretical model to alleviate primary care strain. The Annals of Family Medicine, 16(3), 263–268.
  • Wen, D., Zhang, X., Wan, J., Fu, J., & Lei, J. (2017). The challenges of emerging HISs in bridging the communication gaps among physicians and nurses in China: an interview study. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 17(1), 109.
  • Marshall, E. S., & Broome, M. (2017). Transformational leadership in nursing: from expert clinician to influential leader. Springer Publishing.

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