NUR-514 Topic 1 Discussion Question 2 – Systems Thinking in Healthcare

NUR-514 Topic 1 Discussion Question 2 – Systems Thinking in Healthcare

Topic 1 DQ 2

Describe how leaders can utilize systems thinking to foster strong interprofessional and organizational relationships, drawing from your own experiences. Discuss specific systems thinking tools that nursing leaders can employ to enhance interprofessional collaboration for the betterment of patient outcomes and organizational initiatives. Integrate the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies into your response.

NUR-514 Topic 1 Discussion Question 2 – Systems Thinking in Healthcare – Sample 1

Systems thinking was developed as a tool to enhance the delivery of healthcare services (Moore, 2022). Its primary aim is to empower nurses to devise innovative solutions and adopt a forward-thinking approach to patient care (Moore, 2022). A critical aspect of healthcare delivery is the efficient allocation and utilization of resources (DeNisco & Barker, 2019). Systems thinking involves examining problems, considering various factors related to those problems, and utilizing these factors to formulate the most effective solutions (DeNisco & Barker, 2019). Some tools for systems thinking include the ladder of inference, behavior-over-time graph, connection circle, stock-flow map, iceberg visual, and causal loop diagram (Thinking tools studio, n.d.). Systems thinking is invaluable in helping individuals understand their roles in patient care and how other healthcare team members can contribute to enhanced patient outcomes (Bridges et al., 2011).

In my experience, case management is an area that frequently applies systems thinking. In my current role, patients often require multi-faceted discharge planning, involving medical equipment, respiratory therapy, speech therapy, home health nursing, and follow-up provider appointments (NUR-514 Topic 1 DQ 2 Systems thinking Essay Discussion Post). To ensure each patient’s needs are comprehensively addressed, we conduct multidisciplinary rounds five days a week, involving providers, nurses, case managers, therapists (speech, physical, occupational, and respiratory), and dieticians. During these rounds, we discuss the patient’s hospital stay, anticipated short-term and long-term needs, and how each discipline can contribute to their care. This collaborative approach has not only improved discharge planning but has also identified unutilized care options for patients during their hospitalization.

References

Bridges, D. R., Davidson, R. A., Soule Odegard, P., Maki, I. V., & Tomkowiak, J. (2011). Interprofessional collaboration: Three best practice models of interprofessional education. Medical Education Online, 16(1), 6035.

DeNisco, S. M., & Barker, A. M. (Eds.). (2019). Advanced practice nursing (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. ISBN-13: 9781284176124

Moore, E. (2022, November 9). Systems thinking and nursing innovation. American Nurse. Retrieved from https://www.myamericannurse.com/systems-thinking-and-nursing-innovation/

Thinking tools studio. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org/courses/tools

NUR-514 Topic 1 Discussion Question 2 – Systems Thinking in Healthcare – Sample 2

Systems leadership revolves around bringing various stakeholders together to collaborate on issues and drive change (Hobbs & Midgley, 2021). While this concept is not entirely new, my direct experience with organizational-level systems leadership is limited. However, I have encountered systems-thinking leadership in the context of interprofessional collaboration for breast cancer patients. We held weekly meetings comprising oncologists, breast surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, social workers, financial advocates, and nurse navigators to discuss patient cases, potential challenges, and the best course of action for the benefit of the patient. Systems-thinking leadership allowed us to leverage diverse perspectives to improve outcomes and view problems holistically, rather than in isolated pieces.

Hospital-At-Home: Understanding the Impact on Nurses and Nursing Education

Effective tools and strategies in the systems-thinking approach, as suggested by Thinking Tools Studio, often involve visual aids. These aids help translate mental reasoning into a format that can be shared and understood by others, facilitating collective understanding of how a system operates and the potential for change (Tools of Systems Thinking Courses) NUR-514 Topic 1 DQ 2 Systems thinking Essay Discussion Post. Additionally, the systems-thinking approach aligns with the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies, ensuring that collaboration remains patient-centered. These competencies encompass values and ethics, roles and responsibilities for collaborative practice, interprofessional communication, and teamwork and team-based care. These competencies were initially established in 2011 and updated in 2016 (McKearney, 2016), aiming to ensure that all participants in interprofessional collaboration work respectfully, effectively as a team, and with the patient’s best interests at heart.

References

Hobbs, C., & Midgley, G. (2021, April 13). How systems thinking enhances systems leadership. Integration and Implementation Insights. https://i2insights.org/2021/04/13/systems-thinking-and-leadership/

McKearney, S. (2016). IPEC core competencies. Interprofessional Education Collaborative. https://www.ipecollaborative.org/core-competencies.

Waters Center for Systems Thinking. Tools of Systems Thinking Courses. Thinking tools studio. https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org/courses/tools.