PDSA template.
Goal: To establish a systematic process for discussing and sharing ethical dilemmas within our General Practice to enhance ethical decision-making and team collaboration.
Description of this change: We aim to create a structured approach for discussing and sharing ethical dilemmas during clinical team meetings and enhancing collaboration in addressing these dilemmas.
Person responsible: The practice manager will be responsible for implementing and overseeing this change.
When to be done: This change will be initiated within the next three months.
Plan:
Task: Develop an Ethical Dilemmas Discussion Process
- Create a standardised agenda item for ethical dilemmas in clinical team meetings.
- Encourage ad hoc discussions between medical staff.
- Design a documentation system for recording ethical dilemmas and their potential solutions.
Person responsible: Practice manager
Timeframe: Complete within the next three weeks.
Prediction:
We predict that implementing a structured process for discussing and sharing ethical dilemmas will lead to enhanced ethical decision-making, improved team collaboration, and a documented record of ethical dilemmas and their solutions.
Measures:
- Increased participation in ethical dilemma discussions during team meetings.
- A number of documented ethical dilemmas.
- Improved collaboration in addressing ethical dilemmas.
Do:
The practice manager developed a standardised process for discussing and sharing ethical dilemmas within clinical team meetings. An agenda item was created, and the process for documenting ethical dilemmas and potential solutions was established. Team members were informed about the changes and encouraged to participate in these discussions.
Study:
The implementation of the structured process resulted in increased engagement in ethical dilemma discussions during team meetings. The number of documented ethical dilemmas also rose significantly, showcasing a higher awareness and attention to these issues. Team collaboration improved as members actively worked together to address ethical dilemmas.
Act:
Building on the success of this initial cycle, we will continue to encourage and refine the process for discussing and sharing ethical dilemmas within our General Practice. We will promote ongoing training to ensure that all team members understand the process and its importance. Additionally, we will consider involving clinical staff further in shaping the process and documentation system to ensure it best suits the needs of our practice.