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Last updated on Feb 6, 2025
  1. All
  2. Healthcare
  3. Patient Advocacy

You're facing power dynamics in your interdisciplinary team. How can you prioritize patient-centered care?

In an interdisciplinary team, power dynamics can challenge patient-centered care. To ensure patients remain the priority, consider these strategies:

- Establish common goals that center on patient outcomes to unify the team.

- Facilitate open communication, allowing all disciplines to voice concerns and solutions.

- Regularly review patient feedback to assess and adjust care practices collaboratively.

How do you handle power dynamics while maintaining a focus on the patient?

Patient Advocacy Patient Advocacy

Patient Advocacy

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Last updated on Feb 6, 2025
  1. All
  2. Healthcare
  3. Patient Advocacy

You're facing power dynamics in your interdisciplinary team. How can you prioritize patient-centered care?

In an interdisciplinary team, power dynamics can challenge patient-centered care. To ensure patients remain the priority, consider these strategies:

- Establish common goals that center on patient outcomes to unify the team.

- Facilitate open communication, allowing all disciplines to voice concerns and solutions.

- Regularly review patient feedback to assess and adjust care practices collaboratively.

How do you handle power dynamics while maintaining a focus on the patient?

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25 answers
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    Jennifer Freud, LCSW, APHSW-C (she/her)

    LCSW @ Inova | Leader in evidence-based serious illness communication and trauma informed care

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    Establishing dedicated time for the interdisciplinary team to discuss cases (including debriefing after the fact - what went well, where missed opportunities were) goes a long way. Role clarity also helps to manage power dynamics that arise.

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    Rachel Hamilton

    Utilization Review RN

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    A couple actions I have taken working with an interdisciplinary teamare focusing on shared goals and use Evidence-Based practice. If there are disagreements within the team, you could redirect the conversation to focus on how the decision will impact the patient’s care. If power imbalances are affecting patient care, the clinician may want to leverage their leader to help mediate the situation.

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    Gul Snober,BCPS,BCIDP

    Clinical Pharmacist | Drug Information, Health Care Professionals, Patient Advocacy

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    One thing that has helped me is to always remember the main goal of interdisciplinary meetings—open communication and keeping the patient at the center of everything we do. Focusing on patient-centered care ensures that our interventions are aligned with their best interests.

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    Chidinma Emeka ABARIBE (PhD, RN, FWAPCNM)

    PhD, RN, FWAPCNM. Teaching|Registered Nurse|Nurse Researcher|RPHN|RPHNE|PDE|TRCN|Mentor|Clinical Preceptor|Health Educator|Adolescent Health|Member, Sigma Theta Tau International

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    These strategies could be of help: 1. Define Roles and Responsibilities 2. Set Shared Goals and Priorities 3. Foster a Collaborative Environment 4. Acknowledge and address Power Imbalances with the team 5. Establish a process for resolving conflicts in a constructive and respectful manner. 6. Keep the patient's needs and well-being at the forefront of all decision-making. 7. Provide Training and Education 8. Encourage Active Listening 9. Lead by Example 10. Conduct Regular Team Meetings

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    📚 Fouad Marhar 📚

    My Mission: To help 15+ healthcare simulation programs become more professional each year 🩺 🌍

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    Flattening the hierarchy is a goal Actions can be : - leader receive constructive feedback in front of the team - leader talking the last in a round discussion ( ++ in high stakes discussions) - developing a culture of speaking up ( technically not psychologically speaking) —> workshop all together - make this action mandatory for the leader to grow in the institution This point can change the environnement by a large factor We just have to implement them now

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    Jacqueline Augustine

    Care Facilitator at Dedicated Senior Medical Center (ChenMed)

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    One thing I’ve found helpful is to have an opened dialog with the team. We all share a common goal which is to focus on the patient. With opened communication it is easier to get everyone’s point of view and come up with the best treatment plan.

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    Huan Nguyen

    Bingligual (Vietnamese ) Healthcare Expert & Professional Interpreter. 7 years working with CMS, FEMA, Worker's Comp, Public Health

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    To prioritize patient-centered care in an interdisciplinary team with power dynamics, I will foster open communication and ensure that every team member’s input is valued equally, regardless of hierarchy. I will advocate for collaborative decision-making where the patient’s needs and preferences remain the central focus. By encouraging transparency and mutual respect among healthcare professionals, I can help create an environment where diverse expertise contributes to comprehensive, patient-first solutions. Additionally, I will actively listen to patient concerns, involve them in their care plans, and ensure that all decisions align with their best interests rather than being influenced by internal power struggles.

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    Etta Palmer

    RN CASE MANAGER

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    Our interdisciplinary approach is vital, but power imbalances are hindering our collaborative potential. Let's discuss strategies for creating a more equitable and inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued. I propose a team meeting to brainstorm solutions, including guidelines for participation and inclusive decision-making processes. Let's work together to ensure all co

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    Luis Lima Rocha

    Médico de red y atención especializada

    • Report contribution

    Trazar una ruta de atención y los momentos en los que las demás áreas interdisciplinarias trabajarán para poder alcanzar los objetivos de forma personalizada en cada paciente. Designar a un medico especialista en la materia que llevará cabo el seguimiento del paciente para evitar que el paciente se pierda en el proceso de atención y la experiencia de atención sea mala.

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    Amy Winget

    What’s next for me in life to do?

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    An example I’ve had to use many times is that during these meetings and possible power struggles, I will always bring up patients rights. Yes, it could be in their best interest but it they also have rights to be aware of not just comfort or best interest. We also should really consider what we are dealing with and make sure it’s not our ego driving us to “win”.

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