An infectious disease pharmacist and a critical care attending physician have a recurrent interpersonal conflict during multidisciplinary intensive care unit rounds. The attending frequently interrupts the pharmacist and dismisses their antibiotic renal-dosing recommendations without discussion. To ensure patient safety and maintain team functioning, the pharmacist decides to address this issue privately with the attending using a structured, evidence-based conflict resolution framework designed to communicate disagreements safely.
Arrange the pharmacist's planned statements in the correct chronological sequence according to the standard DESC interprofessional communication protocol.
- 1"Yesterday during bedside rounds, my dosing recommendations for the patient in bed 4 were interrupted before I could finish explaining the rationale."
- 2"I am concerned that this dynamic prevents the team from hearing critical pharmacokinetic data, which compromises my ability to contribute safely."
- 3"I suggest we agree that I will have a dedicated, uninterrupted time slot during each patient presentation to share pharmacological adjustments."
- 4"Implementing this structured input will ensure we are making the safest medication choices for our patients and utilizing our team effectively."
Answer
The correct sequence follows the DESC framework: 1) Describe the objective situation, 2) Express concerns regarding the impact, 3) Specify an alternative behavior, and 4) detail the Consequences for the team and patient.
The DESC script provides a standardized framework for conflict resolution. It begins by Describing the specific behavior (interruptions during rounds), Expressing the resulting concerns (compromised safety communication), Specifying a desired alternative (uninterrupted time), and stating the Consequences of this change (safer medication choices).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The DESC (Describe, Express, Specify, Consequences) script is a structured communication tool used to resolve interpersonal conflict and improve interprofessional teamwork.