Problems/Issues
The problem with introducing a new screening system based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is linked to the lack of adoption by healthcare professionals. While clinicians understand that patients must be screened, they cannot fit this procedure into their busy emergency department (ED) schedules. As a result, the low priority of this screening method leads to its complete disregard by most employees. Communication, limited resource capability, and resistance to change are the central issues preventing the project’s implementation.
Possible Solutions
One solution is to change task prioritization. The ED may make the new screening process mandatory for clinicians. However, this method may increase their stress without adding value to their workday. Another approach is to collect feedback from workers to see which of their tasks can be optimized – simplifying other areas may create more free time for screening. Finally, adding another professional to the staff would require additional funding but would lower the workload for all clinicians.
Recommended Solutions
Among the possible solutions, analyzing the staff’s duties and hiring an additional professional are recommended. First, the ED should review what its team members do daily to identify areas where they experience the most stress, and investigate how to improve the processes. Second, a new hire may take responsibility for completing screenings or serve as another staff member, allowing all other employees to perform screenings on their patients.
Expected Outcomes
As a result, the staff is expected to have more time to perform their duties and be more responsive to the new screening procedure. Moreover, the conversation between the workers and the hospital administration during the investigation can improve the internal environment and establish a feedback channel for future projects. Workers’ comments about their tasks and concerns may reveal deeper issues that need to be addressed before pursuing other initiatives.