Stripe 0 - Engagement

All improvement requires change. However, change is not always welcomed or accepted by individuals or teams, even when it is improvement focused. Improvement plans can often struggle to gain momentum if there is considerable resistance from those who will be impacted most by changes.

Resolving this question is the focus of the 'Engagement' phase of the Team Stripes framework.

During this phase the multidisciplinary team commit to engage with the Team Stripes framework to guide them towards their improvement priorities. It is important during this phase to include the point of care staff who provide the hands-on patient care.

A unit readiness assessment is recommended to clearly establish the readiness for change. In addition to the checklist assessment, take the time to investigate current team communication processes which add to the safety and quality concerns of the unit. Any ambivalence towards the change process will be addressed during the next phase of the framework.

Engaging Leadership and the team

The improvement project(s) will commence following the Discovery phase of Team Stripes, but it is important to ensure that executive leadership support is gained at this point. Executive leadership provides the organisational support and will ensure a shared vision in line with the values of the organisation, local health district and NSW Health.

Communicate early, the change you are hoping to address to engage relevant stakeholders and create awareness through the engagement activities.

Each of your stakeholder groups will have unique characteristics, needs and motivations and will require different engagement activities to communicate with them effectively. (The following examples can be tailored to your team)

Some ideas include:

Use unit/department communication channels such as team meetings
Harness local nursing, medical, pharmacy and allied health champions to advocate for improvement and support the team on the floor
Create a visual display board on the unit or fact sheet with education, information and data about Team Stripes
Set a standing agenda item or PowerPoint presentation at regular meetings
Use shift cross-over time or staff meetings to provide short, regular updates
Create posters, lanyards and computer screensavers.

Resources available to support engagement

What data do you need to support your initiative?

Your Clinical Governance Unit, local safety improvement lead and/or the CEC will help you to identify appropriate sampling numbers and data sources. Some examples of where to collect the data are listed below but it is important to mention that there will also be an opportunity to examine with the team 'what works well' which is good way to identify and replicate the strengths of the team.

Examine your clinical unit's:

Incident (include SAER) data
Average length of stay
Patient compliments and complaints
Staff turnover and sick leave.