Mrs Kaye Bellis1
1Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Kaye has been in IP for over 25 years and has been focused in one format or another around HH. She is passionate and believes in correct and timely HH.
Currently her role is to engage all HCWs to promote, educate, listen, learn and reinvigorate Alfred’s HH commitment.
Abstract:
Background:
Life in our Infection Prevention (IP) department is busy with many meetings on “Teams” which can be productive but often impersonal.
How do we produce the best collaborative and highly functioning team?
Bringing the team together, other than for official meetings is important for establishing trust, bonding and inclusiveness, creating a safe environment of equality.
Method:
IP and Infectious Diseases (ID) teams meet twice weekly for a professional team huddle.
Both teams meet monthly for a Journal Club and bimonthly for a “team challenge”.
Participation is not mandatory although highly recommended.
Teams were previously located apart but are now co-located, encouraging professional and casual catch-ups.
Results:
Journal Club has discussed a range of diverse articles (both professional and interest) with topics suggested by both IP and ID.
These sessions lead to open discussions and sharing of viewpoints. Team challenges are light-hearted and fun. Attendees look forward to bringing out their inner child and losing their inhibitions. Laughter is essential whilst working as a team and collaborating to achieve results. Feedback has been positive, and staff welcome the sessions.
Conclusion:
Joint team sessions and collaborations enlighten us, acknowledging that we all have different and valuable perspectives. They build appreciation and rapport, breaking down the “them and us” mentality. Knowing your team and feeling safe leads to healthy open discussions and stronger connections and relationships. Walking blind folded around a room with your colleague guiding you, builds trust and can only end with laughter.