Overview
The holistic administration of patients requires effective data management. Nurses form a link between patients and other health providers because they are in direct contact with patients. The purpose of this paper is to interpret data that relates to patient fall rate in a telemetry unit. The goal is to assess the process of improving this rate with reference to change management and the necessary leadership characteristics.
Data Interpretation
Over the past few months, there has been significant patient fall on the telemetry unit in one of the health institutions. In one of the recent staff meetings, the provided data showed a higher level of fall on the telemetry unit, which was more than the period before the last 4 months. Some of the available data indicates that the average age of patients in this unit is 72.4 years, which fit the population that is likely to attend the unit. The other important finding is that most of the patients are women, with the exact percentage being 68% of the patient population. Approximately 94% of the patients are on diuretics and 12% of them have secondary diagnoses of confusion or disorientation.
The available data also shows some important characteristics of the telemetry unit where each of the characteristics has special manifestations of the institution. The patient fall rate in the institution is significant. In fact, the last four months recorded the highest fall. The largest fall was recorded in the 7A-11A shift where the total number was 15. This proportion was followed by the 3A-7A shift that recoded only 14 falls.
The most significant change occurred in the period between the 7A-11A shift and that of 11A-3P. The fall was from 15 to 1, representing a change of 14. There was a positive change between the shift of 3P-7P and the last shift of 3A-7A. These changes indicate the organizational changes in place and the likely trend as presented in the graph below.
Quality Improvement
The patient fall rates in the unit are unsatisfactory. Hence, there is a need to adopt a quality management process that can lead to better results in this area. An important aspect of the management plan is communication. According to Sullivan (2013), communication allows effective management by providing effective flow of messages and commands. In this particular unit, there is a need for improved communication between the different cadres of patient management since this plan will lead to improvement in the patient fall.
An effective management plan will also entail the consultation of all stakeholders in the unit, irrespective of their position in the organization. The management requires the participation of different individuals in the organization. Nursing staff members will contribute significantly towards the achievement of the unit goals. Quality improvement will be achieved through efficient utilization of all human resource personnel in this organization (Sullivan, 2013).
Change management strategies include the methods that might be used to ensure that the unit undergoes changes that are appropriate to its objectives. According to Sullivan (2013), the formulation of objectives is one of the most important strategies towards the achievement of any set goals. This unit should develop comprehensive goals that each change should aim to achieve. An organization without strategic goals and objectives is not well placed to manage change (Kreitzer et al., 1997).
Change management strategies constitute an important part of any organization. In the unit described above, the change management strategies that are significant in proposed change process include the Normative-Reductive change management strategy that puts emphasis on change that is relevant to the culture of individuals. In this change management strategy, the gradual change of the culture of patients and staff in the unit will be useful in achieving improved patient fall. The other change management strategy is the Environmental-Adaptive change management approach where individuals are transferred gradually to an organization that is similar to their previous one. The change allows these individuals to adapt to the new environment instead of introducing direct changes to the existing unit.
Leadership Characteristics
The patient fall rates can be improved through appropriate leadership characteristics. A leader has the responsibility of ensuring strategic change in his organization to ensure maximum benefits. These changes may only be achieved through the possession of appropriate leadership characteristics such as accountability. Leaders should be accountable not only to the organization they work in, but also to the individuals below them. Therefore, accountability is a key leadership characteristic in change management. Leaders should focus on the goal of the organization and use appropriate benchmarks for it or section of the company in which they work.
Leaders in the above unit need to ensure accountability throughout the patient management and the management of resources that are used in this organization. Some of the areas where accountability applies in the management of patient pitfalls include finding the exact reasons for the observed changes.
The other leadership characteristic that provides better results in this unit is ethics. Leaders in such organizations should observe good ethical practices to ensure that they win the hearts of all stakeholders. These leaders may benefit from the introduction of ethical committees and ethical codes in the organization. Good leaders should seek feedback from shareholders, including patients and nursing staff members who serve them. In most cases, where leaders acquire and utilize the available feedback, the organization or unit that they are working in is known to flourish (Shirey, 2006). In the case of the above unit, there is likelihood for improvement in patient falls.
Decisiveness is another characteristic of a leader that is important to master in the case of patient falls such as the ones indicated above. A leader in this unit should make rapid and accurate decisions on the way forward for this unit. This strategy entails making decisions that do not favor any side, despite them being based on the evaluation of the existing conditions (Shirey, 2006). This leader also needs adequate communication skills to deal with other stakeholders whilst ensuring adequate participation of all individuals. Good communication skills provide an edge for leaders in an organization of any size (Michaels, 2002).
The other characteristic of a good leader in the above scenario is commitment to excellence. Leaders should be committed to achieving the best results in all activities that they undertake, including the provision of high standards in patient care. Commitment to excellence is related to positive results at the workplace. The unit leaders should recognize health workers in the unit and award those who achieve excellent results in the various functions of the unit. This move will also encourage better performance from other employees and lead to improved patient falls.
Summary
The provision of a solution to the above problem is important because it will improve service delivery for patients and the available interventions. Improved patient falls ensure that the general population is aware of these services. It stands a chance to seek help whenever in need. This paper has established that the trend in patient falls at the telemetry unit in the institution has not been adequate for the last 4 months. The available data from different nurses is proves this trend. The paper has suggested the possible changes and appropriate leadership characteristics.
Reference List
Kreitzer, J., Wright, D., Hamlin, C., Towey, S., Marko, M., & Disch, J. (1997). Creating a healthy work environment in the midst of organizational change and transition. Journal of Nursing Administration, 27(6), 35-41.
Michaels, L. (2002). Circle communication: An Old Form of Communication Useful for 21st Century Leadership. Nursing Admin, 26(5), 1-10.
Shirey, R. (2006). Authentic Leaders Creating Healthy Work Environments for Nursing Practice. American Journal of Critical Care, 15(3), 256-267.
Sullivan, J. (2013). Effective Leadership and Management in Nursing. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.