What practical approach should a director take to resolve communication issues leading to patient medication delays?

Assembling an interdepartmental team to brainstorm solutions is a practical approach because it encourages collaboration among different departments that play a role in medication delivery and patient care. Communication issues often stem from a lack of understanding or coordination among various team members, including pharmacists, nurses, and physicians. By bringing a diverse group together, the director can facilitate open discussions to identify the root causes of the delays and develop strategies that address those specific problems.

This collaborative approach not only allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among team members. When staff from different areas work together, they can share insights and propose innovative solutions that may not be evident when addressing the issue in isolation. This teamwork can also enhance relationships between departments, leading to improved communication and efficiency in the long term, ultimately benefiting patient care.

While implementing strict policies or increasing medication distribution per nurse might seem like immediate fixes, they may not address the underlying communication problems. Individual feedback sessions with nursing staff could provide some insights, but without a broader team-based approach, it is likely that solution development would be limited and potentially less effective.