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# Happier working lives: musculoskeletal outpatient team (Queen Elizabeth Hospital)
Atkinson, Jennifer Liptrot, M Farringdon, M Thorpe, J Morris, V
Atkinson, Jennifer
Liptrot, M
Farringdon, M
Thorpe, J
Morris, V
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Affiliation
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
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Publication date
2024-09-24
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Abstract
Introduction: Lost rehabilitation space, emerging from the pandemic, extensive waiting lists, staff sickness and turnover were all factors contributing to lowered team morale.
Aim: to improve the working lives of all members of the musculoskeletal (MSK) outpatient team
Methods: Volunteer team members completed an NHS England programme, ‘Happier Working Lives’. Quality improvement methods were utilised to determine what made the team ‘happy’, by understanding factors that made their working day better or harder. Responses were collated into key themes. Work was then focused on identified themes and feedback provided.
Results: Connection, growth, environment, support, comradery, holistic care, time, breaks, manager support, guidance and development were factors that made days better. Complex needs, lots of patients, poor health literacy, time, extra admin, expectation, staffing, students, paper notes, incorrect referrals and computer issues made the day harder.
'Workload pressure' was a key theme. After six months, all items under our 'control' were actioned, those under our 'influence' were predominantly actioned or under action and a few were outstanding. Half the factors deemed as 'adapt to' were actioned.
Discussion: Quality improvement helped explore team happiness enabling meaningful focus. Compassionate and emergent leadership is well documented to have a positive impact on key performance indicators including staff engagement (1).
Citation
Atkinson, J. Liptrot, M., Farringdon, M., Thorpe, J. and Morris, V. (2024) '# Happier working lives: musculoskeletal outpatient team (Queen Elizabeth Hospital) '. School of Nursing, AHP and Midwifery Conference. Birmingham: 9-10 September.
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Conference Output