Introduction: Team coordination problems continue to be an important source of errors, inefficiencies, conflict and other adverse events in health care. Structured Interprofessional Bedside Rounds (SIBR) provide a consistent method for patients, families, and clinicians from different disciplines to collaborate in daily discussions of care and clinical decision-making. Here we explore baseline levels of Relational Coordination (RC) present within and between interprofessional (IP) members prior SIBR implementation and we hypothesize that SIBR will enhance communication, teamwork, and collaboration among IP team members, improving quality of care and patient safety on the unit.
Sample/Methods: All clinicians responsible for patient care on the stroke unit were invited to participate in the Relational Coordination Scale (RCS) baseline assessment of 4 communication dimensions (frequent, timely, accurate, problem-solving communication) and 3 relational dimensions (shared goals, shared knowledge, mutual respect). The RC index (an aggregate score) was computed, and RC network maps visualizing average, mutual strong, mutual weak, and non-reciprocal ties within and between groups were generated.
Results: A total of 53 clinicians (38.8% response rate) from all disciplines caring for stroke patients (case managers, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, therapists, and social workers) completed the pre-SIBR implementation RC survey. The overall RC index was 3.83, indicating moderate coordination patterns where there are strengths that can be leveraged as well as opportunities for improvement. The highest RC score was observed in the frequent communication domain (4.07, strong), whereas the lowest RC score was observed within the shared knowledge domain (3.44, weak). RC network maps showed no weak ties between any workgroups, but non-reciprocal ties between attending physicians and registered nurses, pharmacists and therapists, and medical trainees and case managers were identified.
Conclusions and Implications for Practice: SIBR TeamingUP© is a promising method for improving RC among IP team members, rounding efficiency, and planning of IP team-based care.
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (OICPD). The OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.
IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change
