{"id":276,"date":"2024-11-05T21:54:42","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T21:54:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iims.uthscsa.edu\/isrn\/?page_id=276"},"modified":"2026-01-27T19:22:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T19:22:08","slug":"an-environment-of-excellence-improving-interprofessional-communication","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/iims.uthscsa.edu\/isrn\/resources\/ereading-room\/abstracts\/an-environment-of-excellence-improving-interprofessional-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"An Environment of Excellence: Improving Interprofessional Communication"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Primary Author:<\/td>\nKim M DeMasi, MSN, RN, CEN, LADC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Co-Principal Investigators\/Collaborators:<\/td>\nErnest Daniels, RN, Jodie Drapeau, RN, Mary Fenn, RN, Donna Fife, LPN, Gisele Pellizzari, RN<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Organization<\/td>\nProvidence Veteran Affairs Medical Center<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Abstract<\/h2>\n

Purpose<\/h3>\n

The purpose of the project was to increase interprofessional staff satisfaction through improved communication.<\/p>\n

Background<\/h3>\n

While the Inpatient Mental Health Unit at the Providence Veteran Affairs Medical Center had successfully demonstrated trended performance outcomes, staff identified dissatisfaction within the interprofessional team. A lack of interprofessional teamwork, specifically, effective communication was identified as impeding staff satisfaction. Literature review yielded evidence to support the importance of teamwork in the quality and safety of patient care, as well as the well being of staff.<\/p>\n

Materials & Methods<\/h3>\n

Baseline staff satisfaction data was collected and confirmed dissatisfaction with interprofessional communication. A Unit Practice Council (UPC) was established, 100% of staff participated. Interventions included unit education specifically UPC and self governance. A structured meeting forum was used to drive the project and track progress. A standardized \u201ccode of conduct\u201d was developed. The UPC created a poster, \u201cPromoting an Environment of Excellence,\u201d to be hung throughout the unit. A celebration of \u201cPromoting an Environment of Excellence,\u201d kicked off the new standard code of conduct. Badge cards were given to all staff as reminder of communication expectations.<\/p>\n

Results<\/h3>\n

Staff satisfaction was reassessed three months post introduction of the Code of Conduct roll-out with marked improvement. The PVAMC Equal Opportunity Office adopted the \u201cPromoting an Environment of Excellence\u201d poster for distribution throughout the medical center.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

While a code of conduct was not new to staff, the project highlighted the importance of, and need for respectful treatment and communication among interprofessional team members. Developing and adopting a code of conduct served as a valuable tool that improved team dynamics through collaboration overtime. The project served as the foundation for developing a well-defined UPC with tools and a structure to continue improvement work. Recent outcomes include development of a patient handbook and redesign of documentation instruments. There is a noted change in unit culture, to one more focused on patient-centered care, supported through interprofessional collaboration, shared purpose, and respectful communication.<\/p>\n

Bibliography<\/h3>\n