Question

The concept of decentralized decision making is often associated with which of the following? a. shared governance b. team nursing c. interdisciplinary practice model d. primary nursing

Short answer

Shared governance.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Concept

Decentralized decision-making refers to a system where decision-making is distributed or delegated away from a central, authoritative location.

- Identify Options

Review each option to see which most aligns with decentralized decision-making: a. shared governance, b. team nursing, c. interdisciplinary practice model, d. primary nursing.

- Analyze Shared Governance

Shared governance involves a collaborative working environment where decision-making is shared among various levels of staff, aligning well with the concept of decentralized decision-making.

- Examine Other Options

Evaluate the other options: team nursing involves coordinated care by a team, the interdisciplinary practice model involves collaboration across different specialties, and primary nursing focuses on one nurse managing care for a patient. These models don’t focus explicitly on decentralized decision-making.

- Conclusion

Shared governance is most closely associated with decentralized decision-making as it involves a balance of power and shared decision-making among staff members at different levels.

Key concepts

shared governance

Shared governance is a model where decision-making is a collaborative and democratic process. It is most often seen in decentralized systems, where decisions are not taken by just the top leaders but shared among different levels of staff. This engagement ensures that the voices of nurses and other healthcare staff are heard and valued.
This approach helps to improve job satisfaction and increase accountability. It builds a culture where staff members feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for their work. Sharing decisions also encourages a more balanced distribution of power and fosters an inclusive environment.

nursing care models

Nursing care models refer to structured methods for organizing nursing care. There are several models, each with its unique features and approach:

• Primary Nursing: One nurse is responsible for overseeing a patient’s total care from admission to discharge. This model emphasizes personalized care but may not involve decentralized decision-making.
• Team Nursing: Nurses work as a coordinated team to provide care to a group of patients. The team leader makes decisions but consults with other team members. Although collaborative, it is more hierarchical compared to shared governance.
• Interdisciplinary Practice Model: This model involves collaboration across different specialties, such as doctors, nurses, and therapists working together. While collaborative, it may not completely align with decentralized decision-making.

collaborative working environment

A collaborative working environment in nursing fosters teamwork and open communication among all staff members. In such an environment:

• Staff members, regardless of their positions, work together towards common goals.
• Ideas and feedback from all staff are valued, promoting inclusive decision-making.
• Sharing knowledge and expertise helps in solving complex problems and improves patient care.

Collaboration is crucial for ensuring high-quality care. It not only improves job satisfaction among nurses but also enhances patient outcomes.