Implementing The Leadership Theory in Geriatric Teams D. Garfinkel, M.D.,T. Sinai, J.Ben-Israel, M.D., The Shoham Geriatric Medical Center ISRAEL D. Garfinkel, M.D.,T. Sinai, J.Ben-Israel, M.D., The Shoham Geriatric Medical Center ISRAEL For Treating a Patients with Severe Disfiguration
Leadership Theory (Bass 1982) Widely used in industrial organizations, much less in medical settingsWidely used in industrial organizations, much less in medical settings Main Concepts: 1. Group Empowerment 1. Group Empowerment 2. Reframing 2. Reframing 3. Leadership Modeling (personal example) 3. Leadership Modeling (personal example)
The Patient A 62 year old man with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) - a malignant skin cancer. The SCC was Neglected so that large parts of the face were destroyed resulting in Severe Disfiguration. Admited after Suicide Attempt Moderate- Severe Congestive Heart Failure Chronic Anemia (Serum Hemoglobin 4.5 g/dL)
The Task Preparing a Multi-Disciplinary Team for a deviate procedure Preparing a Multi-Disciplinary Team for a deviate procedure Overcoming Total Refusal of the Staff to Treat a Patient Leading a Group Process in the Ward
METHODS - The Process Twelve 3 hour sessions with all staff members with all staff members Led by the Chief Physician & Headnurse, Monitored by the Consultant (Psychologist) According to the principles & concepts of Leadership Theory (Group Empowerment, Reframing, Leadership Modeling ) 12 sessions - 8 before, 4 after the patient’s admittance
The staff filled in Questionnaires at 5 Crucial points during the process The staff filled in Questionnaires at 5 Crucial points during the process Parameters Parameters A. Self esteem B. Image of hospital C. Image of patient D. Job ranking Factor analyses & multiple regression METHODS - QUESTIONNAIRE
Results 19 staff members participated in the process for 6 months A linear positive correlation between time and all 4 factors Positive ranking of the process was at its highest level 4 months after conclusion 19 staff members participated in the process for 6 months A linear positive correlation between time and all 4 factors Positive ranking of the process was at its highest level 4 months after conclusion
Results The most significant finding – 65 % of staff members changed position towards the patient - from complete refusal of all contact with the patient initially, to regarding him as “family” or “friend” 4 months later. The most significant finding – 65 % of staff members changed position towards the patient - from complete refusal of all contact with the patient initially, to regarding him as “family” or “friend” 4 months later.
Conclusions Leadership theory models may serve as effective tools for preparing multidisciplinary teams in long-term care facilities, to cope with difficult patients. Leadership theory models may serve as effective tools for preparing multidisciplinary teams in long-term care facilities, to cope with difficult patients. Through a group process, team members can significantly improve their attitude towards “difficult to treat” patient, while contributing to increase their own self esteem, job ranking and image of their institute.