Module 6: Consultation & Collaboration in LTC Practice
145 6.2.1 Role Clarity and Expectations
Role clarification:
- Interdisciplinary team members understand their individual roles and roles of their colleagues
- Is an essential component of high performing teams
- Facilitates effective workflows, communication, and collaboration
- High performing teams have ongoing communication to clarify roles[1]
Communication strategies for role clarification:
- Formal written communication to team members
- Informal communication strategies
- Team meetings
- Presentations
PEPPA Framework:
- Provides a framework to guide NP role clarification
- Provides a framework to guide ongoing evaluation of the NP role
- Facilitates the development of the policies and protocols that define pieces of the NP role[2]
Potential barriers for achieving NP role clarity:
- The NP role is constantly evolving in response to the changing needs of the population
- NP practice overlaps with the care provided by physicians and nursing
- Varying scopes of practice for NPs
- The LTC homes level of experience working with NPs
- Lack of acceptance by the physicians and other team members
Poor role clarity outcomes:
- Conflict amongst fellow colleagues
- Duplication in services that increase costs associated with care delivery
- Decreased quality of care because professional roles are not optimized
- Can lead to poor patient health outcomes
- Can cause low job satisfaction and increased turnover[3][4][5]