Communication is one of the most crucial components to maintaining resident safety. Yet breakdowns in communication are among the most frequently cited root causes when errors or patient safety events occur. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) notes the ability to detect and communicate a change in a resident's condition is important because it can catch illness early and prevent it from worsening, ultimately helping residents retain their health and avoid transfers to the hospital. Success depends on the entire team, both clinical and nonclinical staff, being trained to observe, share and respond to the changes.
Comagine Health has launched a six-part affinity group series that explores the nuances of early detection of and intervention for changes in resident condition, and reinforces the link between staff resiliency and patient safety, specifically focusing on how interventions that prioritize the well-being of both residents and staff members often lead to the best outcomes. The webinars are unrecorded open forums to facilitate sharing and innovation.
On April 9, a group of about 45 LTPAC providers attended the second session, “Communicating Concerns,” where they offered their tips, tools and best practices regarding this essential practice. Additionally, teams explored the importance of fostering a culture that supports psychological safety. Comagine Health has compiled their feedback and created a resource for your facility to reference.
As the series goes on, we will continue to curate the insights gained from these affinity group discussions, which will include session highlights, practice ideas from partners and actionable next steps you can bring back to your staff to begin growing skills and making improvements.
Don’t miss our next session in the Looking Beyond COVID-19: Detecting Change in Resident Condition and the Impact of Staff Resiliency series on May 14: Nursing Assessment and Care Planning.