What are some techniques that can be used to communicate information about the initiative throughout the organization, including environmental services and d

Carmen Discussion:

To help doctors and nurses understand the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), start with creating a clear plan that includes direct communication, policy reminders, and ongoing training and support. Meeting with all healthcare workers in the pediatric unit highlighting why wearing PPE is crucial to prevent the quick spread of RSV, especially among vulnerable children (Marder, 2024). Presenting data showing the high transmission rate of RSV and discuss how it can seriously affect infants and those with weak immune systems (Wong, 2016). Share data on examples that show the seriousness of RSV infections. Creating and posting posters and infographics in busy areas near patient rooms, nursing stations, and break rooms (HBR, 2015). These visuals would detail the specific PPE requirements, how to put on and take off the equipment correctly, and the reasons for these rules. Create a messaging system to send regular reminders through email or text messages, especially during RSV outbreaks (Marder, 2024). Stressing the importance of following PPE guidelines. Encouraging team support reminding them to follow PPE rules, creating a culture of shared responsibility (M2 Pharma, 2023). Using team-building activities about the importance of working together for patient safety.

When preparing a presentation on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for families in the pediatric unit, it is important to communicate clearly, show empathy, and provide helpful information. Introducing RSV as a common virus that affects young children, especially infants and toddlers. Explaining how RSV spreads through droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus (Marder, 2024). Discussing the symptoms of RSV, such as a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. Explaining why RSV is serious in young children, especially those with weakened immune systems or health issues. Providing information on preventing the spread of RSV. Giving clear instructions on regular hand hygiene, proper handwashing techniques, and the use of hand sanitizers. Wearing masks especially in small spaces or around a child with RSV. Assuring families that the hospital is committed to protecting the health of all patients. Explaining the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by healthcare workers and the extra cleaning done in the pediatric unit to reduce infection risks (Marder, 2024). Offer empathetic practical direction for parents caring for children diagnosed with RSV. Information on how to monitor symptoms at home, when to seek medical help, and the importance of keeping the child hydrated during recovery. With a list of warning signs, like difficulty breathing, high fever, or signs of dehydration, to help parents. Using visual aids in the presentation creating brochures and slides with key points, diagrams showing how RSV spreads, and charts summarizing symptoms and care tips (M2 Pharma, 2023). Giving families useful resources to take home. Creating a trusting environment where families feel informed and ready to deal with RSV challenges (Wong, 2016).

References:

HBR. (2015). The Best Presentations Are Tailored to the Audience. https://hbr.org/2015/04/the-best-presentations-are-tailored-to-the-audience

M2 Pharma. (2023). Codagenix commences dosing in CodaVax-RSV paediatric Phase one study. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=edsinc&AN=edsinc.A748802339&site=eds-live&scope=site. Acesso em: 3 dez. 2024.

Marder, K. (2024). Saving Lives: Effective Healthcare Communication Empowers Care Management. https://www.healthcatalyst.com/learn/insights/effective-healthcare-communication-care-management

Wong, P. C., Parimi, P. S., Domachowske, J. B., Friedman, D. M., Marcus, M. G., Garcia, D. F., La Via, W. V., Syed, I. A., Szabo, S. M., McLaurin, K. K., & Kumar, V. R. (2016). The Logistics and Coordination of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immunoprophylaxis Use Among US Pediatric Specialists. Clinical Pediatrics, 55(13), 1230–1241.  https://doi.org/10.1177/0009922815621343

Sarah Discussion:

During this time, stopping the spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is critical. Using infection prevention techniques, including proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary. Since this is a new quality initiative for physicians and nurses, strong communication skills to ensure adherence to the initiative are needed. Lee (2023) discusses importance of communication with interprofessional teams during a pandemic, however some points are also applicable when managing an outbreak on a pediatric unit. One suggestion is to provide interdisciplinary training to all physicians and nurses to help them understand the importance of the change. This type of training has been linking to improved safety outcomes. It also offers an opportunity to use Kotter’s theory of change and instill the matter of urgency regarding use of PPE with the team of providers and nurses (Sollectio & Johnson, 2020). If the notice from the quality director was sent out via email, all providers and nursing team members may not have reviewed that information yet. It is necessary to implement further training with the team to gain acceptance. Lee notes communication influences patient and staff safety. Communicating a practice change and quality initiative in multiple ways is beneficial to gain compliance. In the moment, it is also helpful to have engaged team members and leaders who can address providers and nurses at the time when PPE is missed to provide education and promote compliance (Lee, 2023).

            According to La et el. (2024), there is a large knowledge gap in adults surrounding RSV. The authors note only 43.3% of surveyed adults (827 adults) had heard of RSV. This shows how critical it is to deploy proper education strategies to the public and families of the pediatric unit about the disease. When determining best practices for educating families and the public, it is important to consider health literacy of the audience. While some people may be very knowledgeable, materials must be produced is simple and plain language (without medical jargon), so they are able to be understood by a large volume of people. Bader et al., (2022) also suggest other strategies like using technology and multimedia approaches. To present this information to the public, using social media may be helpful with simple and plain language explaining the illness and measures that can be taken to prevent it. For families who are admitted, presenting this information in person, using a pamphlet, and offering an educational video would be appropriate to provide different options for different learning styles.

References

Bader, M., Zheng, L., Rao, D., Shiyanbola, O., Myers, L., Davis, T., O’Leary, C., McKee, M., Wolf, M., & Assaf, A. R. (2022). Towards a more patient-centered clinical trial process: A systematic review of interventions incorporating health literacy best practices.  CONTEMPORARY CLINICAL TRIALS,  116, 106733.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2022.106733

La, E. M., Bunniran, S., Garbinsky, D., Reynolds, M., Schwab, P., Poston, S., & Harrington, L. (2024). Respiratory syncytial virus knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among adults in the United States.  Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics,  20(1), 2303796.  https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2024.2303796

Lee, L. (2023). Interprofessional communication in emergencies during a pandemic.  Journal of Clinical Nursing,  32(5–6), e3–e5.  https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16049

Sollectio, W. A., & Johnson, J. K. (2020).  McLaughlin and Kaluzny’s continuous quality improvement in healthcare (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.