Reference no: EM133304198
Assignment: 1. Describe how poor leadership can lead to low staff morale in a health care setting.
2. Describe how poor leadership can potentially lead to patient harm.
3. Explain why it can be difficult to speak up when someone in a position of power displays unsafe behaviour This Week's Detailed Case Study Information Charles was one of 6 specialists in the Musculoskeletal Inpatient Unit at Minute Medical. Charles found the chief of surgery, a surgeon, to be a dishonest and lazy doctor. As the first year proceeded, Charles and his colleagues became increasingly concerned about the deficiencies of the chief. His practice was so poor that patient safety became a serious concern. He was often absent, which forced Charles and his colleagues to see the patients that were scheduled for him. Finally, one Wednesday morning, Charles and his colleagues got together and agreed that they could not, in good conscience, continue to work with their chief. In the armed forces, to proceed with such a position against one's commanding officer is recognized as mutiny. They were very much aware of this. But they also knew that their position was based on the concern that this man was incompetent and should not be taking care of patients. During the next few weeks, Charles and his colleague were careful to document episodes of poor care, unscheduled absences, and lack of professionalism. They took the case to you, as the hospital commander. You listened, respected the concerns, and accepted the documentation of the chief's deficiencies. You did not challenge Charles and his colleagues for the position they were taking, but you did not indicate to them, what's the next step. Charles and his colleagues went back to work. About two months later, they were informed that the chief was being transferred to a small hospital in England. They were both pleased and dismayed. While the concerns had been addressed, but the chief had simply been transferred to another location. The staff at the hospital in England would be faced with the same issues they had been dealing with. Three years later, Charles and his wife were in Poland on a trip. They were enjoying dinner at a quiet restaurant when Charles looked up and saw the face of the chief that had been removed. He was eating dinner alone. Their eyes met and the chief came over to their table and greeted Charles and his wife warmly. He indicated that he was no longer seeing patients but, as a career air force officer, was happy in his administrative work. We chatted for a while and then he left. Later that evening, as Charles and his wife were reflecting on this brief interlude, Charles concluded that two good things had come from his transfer: One was that he was no longer seeing patients. The other was that he appeared to have gained some insight into his weaknesses. Deliverables, Format, and Marking Scheme for This Week's Case Study Your task is to respond to the following questions: 1. These issues of poor leadership surface in civilian life, as well. As a follower, under what circumstances would you feel justified in reporting the superior for providing unsafe care? 2. As a leader, why did you not fire the chief but transferred him to another position/hospital? Why did no indicate anything to Charles and his colleagues 3. If you are a student, how does that impact your ability to feel safe when reporting an unsafe act?
4. How about if you're a nurse and you're reporting about a physician? Or vice versa?
5. Can you think of any situation when you would stay quiet when you saw your co- worker/supervisor providing unsafe care?
6. Do you have any personal experiences with bad leadership that you'd like to share? Please prepare a paper incorporating responses to the questions above Note that a cover page and references page must be included.