NURS FPX 4005 Assignment 3 Interdisciplinary Plan Proposal

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX4005 Nursing Leadership: Focusing on People, Processes, and Organizations

Prof. Name

Date

Interdisciplinary Plan Proposal

To address the communication issues between nurses and physicians at St. Michael’s Medical Center, this proposal introduces a standardized approach using the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) protocol. The plan targets the emergency department and inpatient units, where high-pressure environments frequently result in inconsistent patient handoffs. By normalizing structured communication and improving team collaboration, the project aims to reduce treatment delays, improve decision-making, and enhance patient safety. This approach not only increases the clarity of interprofessional communication but also sets the stage for sustainable improvements across clinical settings.

Objective

The core objective of this initiative is to implement a standardized communication method using the SBAR framework during nurse-physician interactions, especially in handoff and emergency situations. Successful adoption will enhance understanding among healthcare providers, decrease the incidence of medical errors, and lead to faster treatment delivery. Ultimately, the goal is to elevate the overall quality of patient care while reducing the wait times and clinical risks associated with unclear or inconsistent communication.

Key Questions and Predictions

Question	Prediction
How will implementing SBAR impact nurse-physician communication?	It will provide consistent structure, improve clarity, and reduce miscommunication.
Will additional training be required for successful SBAR adoption?	Yes, initial structured training will be necessary for effective integration.
How will implementation success be measured?	Success will be tracked through reductions in communication errors, enhanced response times, and staff satisfaction surveys.
What are potential barriers to implementation?	Resistance to change and inconsistent adoption will require leadership reinforcement and ongoing training.
What effect will improved communication have on patient outcomes?	It will lead to faster clinical decisions, fewer errors, and higher-quality patient care.

Change Theories and Leadership Strategies

The implementation of SBAR will follow Kurt Lewin’s Change Management Theory, which includes three phases: unfreezing, changing, and refreezing. In the unfreezing stage, staff will be educated about current communication gaps and the patient safety implications. During the changing phase, SBAR training will be deployed through workshops and simulations, enabling staff to practice and internalize the method. In the refreezing phase, consistent use of SBAR will be reinforced through monitoring, feedback, and leadership support. This structured approach fosters acceptance and sustains long-term behavior change (Ahaiwe, 2024). Additionally, transformational leadership is vital for the success of this plan. Leaders will inspire and empower team members by fostering an open environment, facilitating shared decision-making, and encouraging continuous learning. Transformational leaders support SBAR training initiatives actively and lead by example in communication practices. Their engagement helps build trust, boosts morale, and encourages accountability, leading to safer, higher-quality care (Ystaas et al., 2023).

Team Collaboration and Organizational Resources

Effective implementation of SBAR depends on clearly defined roles and resource allocation. Each team member has specific duties that support successful integration, as outlined below:

Roles and Responsibilities Table

Team Member	Responsibility	Frequency
Nurse Educator	Conduct SBAR training sessions and provide educational materials.	Twice monthly for 2 months
Unit Manager	Oversee daily implementation, track adherence, and resolve workflow challenges.	Weekly feedback sessions
Physicians & Nurses	Apply SBAR for handovers and urgent communications, ensuring clear information exchange.	Daily practice and observation
QI Team	Monitor SBAR’s impact on safety and communication; produce data reports.	Monthly
Hospital Leadership	Provide financial support, establish continuous training systems, and evaluate long-term outcomes.	Quarterly reviews

The TeamSTEPPS model will further strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration by offering structured training and performance feedback. This framework enhances mutual understanding and teamwork across disciplines. Training will focus on role clarity, communication strategies, and structured feedback, supported by real-time coaching and formal debriefing. TeamSTEPPS implementation creates a culture of respect and accountability that reduces communication errors and boosts patient safety (Trujillo & Ann, 2022).

Organizational Resource Needs

Implementing this communication improvement plan will require several key resources. Staff training will include a mix of nurses, physicians, and administrative personnel. Existing infrastructure such as training spaces, electronic health records (EHR), and communication tools can support the program rollout.

Resource Allocation Table

Resource	Details
Staffing	Sufficient personnel for SBAR and TeamSTEPPS training.
Training Facilities	On-site rooms equipped with simulation and presentation tools.
Financial Investment	Funding for materials, software for monitoring, and optional external consultation.
Technological Tools	EHR integration and communication tracking systems.
Accessibility Considerations	Ensuring availability of resources in patient care areas, nursing stations, and meeting rooms.

While in-house training is cost-effective, external experts may be needed for specialized sessions, increasing the financial burden. However, the investment is justified by long-term gains, such as reduced medical errors, improved teamwork, and fewer legal risks. Failure to act would lead to ongoing inefficiencies, higher readmission rates, increased staff burnout, and compromised care quality. Therefore, the proposal aligns with both safety and operational priorities.

References

Ahaiwe, L. (2024). The impact of Intervention to Reduce Acute Care Transfer (INTERACT) for Heart Failure (HF) patients in the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). Proquest.com. https://www.proquest.com/openview/982a82bf043e43c31c72dd9ff0267ee9/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

NURS FPX 4005 Assignment 3 Interdisciplinary Plan Proposal

Hassan, A. E., Mohammed, F. A., Zakaria, A. M., & Ibrahim, I. A. (2024). Evaluating the effect of TeamSTEPPS on teamwork perceptions and patient safety culture among newly graduated nurses. BioMed Central Nursing, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01850-y Toumi, D., Dhouib, W., Zouari, I., Ghadhab, I., Gara, M., & Zoukar, O. (2024). The SBAR tool for communication and patient safety in gynaecology and obstetrics: A Tunisian pilot study. BioMed Central Medical Education, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05210-x Trujillo, & Ann, L. (2022). Implementation of TeamStepps communication tools to improve communication and decrease hypoglycemic events. Www.proquest.com. https://www.proquest.com/openview/f5f5c6ce2d5b3078e171d9245e6d3e53/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

NURS FPX 4005 Assignment 3 Interdisciplinary Plan Proposal

Ystaas, L. M. K., Nikitara, M., Ghobrial, S., Latzourakis, E., Polychronis, G., & Constantinou, C. S. (2023). The impact of transformational leadership in the nursing work environment and patients’ outcomes: A systematic review. Nursing Reports, 13(3), 1271–1290. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep13030108