Deck 5: Middle Managers and Connected Care

Question 1

In order to be successful, middle managers must possess certain competencies. Which is a vital competency for the middle manager in the healthcare setting?

A) Use business knowledge and skills
B) Recognize the professionalism of physicians
C) Demonstrate the ability to communicate
D) Accept decisions of senior management

Answer 1

C
Explanation: The most vital competency for the middle manager to possess is the ability to communicate. It is essential for the middle manager to communicate clearly and constructively with those both inside and outside the organization. The ability to use business knowledge and skills is necessary for the middle manager; however, communication is a vital competency. The ability to align personal conduct with ethical and professional standards, and a commitment to patients and lifelong learning is vital for the middle manager, but it is not just recognized and\or extended to physicians. The middle manager needs to possess the ability to create a unified vision, to inspire organizational excellence, and to manage change to achieve organizational goals.

Question 2

Measurement of clinical middle management effectiveness is currently considered more of an art than a science. Which outcome is based on objective data and findings?

A) Indications of accurate medication reconciliation
B) How well job specific expectations are being met
C) Whether previously set goals have been achieved
D) Performance of the organizational core values

Answer 2

A
Explanation: A commonly used objective measurement of clinical middle management effectiveness is the presence of indications of accurate medication reconciliation. The other options are subjective evaluation outcomes, which are used to drive recognition, reward, and performance development plans for middle managers.

Question 3

With the influx of healthcare changes, which is a concern for middle management during the initiation and development of a new healthcare system?

A) The struggle to keep the organization moving in a forward direction
B) The development of long-term strategies for organizational survival
C) The paramount need for achievement of financial and clinical goals
D) The allocation of time, space, and resources for long-term clinical change

Answer 3

D
Explanation: One concern for middle management during the initiation and development of a new health system is the allocation of time, space, and resources necessary for long-term clinical culture changes. Goals for organizational change, survival, and the achievement of financial and clinical milestones are concerns for the senior leadership.

Question 4

In order to achieve connected care, middle managers must be effective at getting things done within their own organizations. Which actions and\or attitudes are important in making middle managers organizationally effective?

A) Seeking clarity from their own manager about their goals and accountabilities
B) Informing senior management when strategic goals are unrealistic as envisioned
C) Continuing to foster and promote a strong inter-department collegial atmosphere
D) Pointing out other department's problems with handoff processes to the manager

Question 5

Managers sit in the epicenter of clinical change and try to balance building a new clinical culture, keeping the business going, caring for patients, and supporting employees. Which behavior will aid the manager in building resilience?

A) Scheduling equally spaced periods of time away from the job
B) Seeking professional counseling at the first indication of burn-out
C) Identifying effective methods for personal stress management
D) Introducing staff to a selected method of time management

Question 6

The nurse manager notices some situations that seem to cause a disconnection or fragmentation of care. Which situation does the nurse identify as warranting evaluation and change?

A) High-risk patients are most commonly assigned to high-performing clinicians.
B) A group of clinicians is caring for a patient using the team approach.
C) Implementation of a new clinical procedure is preceded by staff education.
D) Tasks are often missed when an admission occurs during busy or rushed times.

Question 7

Patient centeredness is the core element of a connected care culture. Which nursing behavior prompts the nurse manager to initiate clinical coaching?

A) A hand off report is given before a nurse takes a patient for testing.
B) The nurse expects to take lunch at the same time every shift.
C) One patient's walk is postponed so the nurse can discharge a patient.
D) Because of a new admission, the nurse transfers patient care to others.

Question 8

Nurse managers focus on patients receiving clear and accurate information about their condition and the care they are receiving every shift.

Question 9

Care coordination is one of the most essential pillars of connected care and requires special clinical skills, expertise, and considerable support from management to achieve the best outcomes for patients.

Question 10

Managing lower levels of performance is often a big part of the healthcare middle manager's job, especially in areas where an adequate workforce creates a larger pool of well-qualified clinicians.