Challenges confronting clinicians in acute care

Aim  To engage acute care clinicians in prioritizing professional issues of concern and to help them identify and design change projects.
Background  In order to meet and respond to challenges and to ensure safety, efficiency and positive patient and staff outcomes, it is imperative to understand the nature of difficulties faced by health professionals and for clinicians to be included in decision making and change.
Method  A three-phase mixed-method design utilizing descriptive and interpretive approaches. Data were collected via survey, focus groups and nominal group workshops.
Results  Communication, skill mix and work environments were identified as issues of most concern. Participants were able to identify and prioritize a range of projects to help them better understand and alleviate workplace problems.
Conclusion  This study highlights key directions for practice change and confirms previous findings identifying urgent need for research that aims to overcome poor communication and skill shortages. It differs from other studies by providing a platform for participants to design projects leading to solutions and participate in change.
Implications for nursing management  Support must be provided for managers in rostering, staffing, and resource procurement and allocation. The results of the present study highlights a need to refocus management styles on staff empowerment, participation and team building.