A Project Manager's Musings
First of all, forgive me co-creators of radio for not posting since July 19th. I am committed to regular postings as one method of communication. I went on vacation and returned to a technical message that until resolved , did not allow me to post or publish. Thankfully, with Lori's support, that barrier was removed.
In the last month, we [all involved in the P2 project in Whatcom] have experienced the tension of developing new relationships, balancing demands, clarifying requirements from the original grant application and learning through real experience what creates team, generates concern, excitement/energy and moves us closer to implementation. We are creating an infrastructure that has not existed before. This is hard work for all . At times, I have sensed for both myself and others, it is tiring to be in the midst of the sea of start-up and change.
At all levels, expectations and assumptions have had to be defined, redefined, renegotiated and checked out and a positive plan created to move forward. Some examples for me include work with the Institute of Healthcare Improvement [IHI], who serves as the National Program Office for the grant and the Pursuing Perfection Leadership Board [PPLB] IHI has provided feedback and technical assistance to help refine our monthly reports and think about the set-up of our project. I have appreciated the feedback and felt some initial resistance to change because so much is changing. The PPLB has worked toward its own role clarification and set new expectations for both the Project Executive- Marc and myself. As we all learn more and expand our understanding, both growth experiences have provided a better outcome in set-up for success in the project and was time well spent.
This has been a common experiences for others - based on conversations I have had with many involved in this start-up phase. For me, it's nice to know we are having shared experiences. However, in the moment, it feels like a dance where the partners do not know whether it is a waltz, swing or disco. Sometimes, despite best efforts, toes get stepped on and it hurts. Yet, we all want to continue to dance and learn. I know I need to learn to laugh and lighten up when there are missteps...I need to listen to the music again, to my partners and their needs, share my own and be guided by the vision that brought us together. I am confidant it will get smoother. I know that to be true because I've danced before.
There were some milestones in the last month and they are listed below:
- Systems Dynamics Consultants begin data gathering and refinement of model
- Conversations with Medicare and Medicaid occur re: Systems Dynamics participation
- Patients begin seeing the Clinical Care Specialists- paper shared care plan pilot begins [5 diabetes patients, 6 CHF patients]
- Shared Care Plan summit for IT, clinical and project staff launches development of specifications for electronic shared care plan
- Recommendations of CHF Medication Safety Team made to implementation team for integration into pilot site implementations
- P2 Project staff meet pilot clinic site staff – assessment and baseline measurement plans and implementation begins in earnest including touchscreen implementation
- CHF registry completed
- 2 P2 Project staff hired [Process Facilitator] and a .40 grant writer
These milestones are to be celebrated among us all. But that is not all we need celebrate. This list just scratches the surface and I want to acknowledge all the private victories we have had as we transition ourselves to new roles and relationships. It's not an outcome that will be reported in the grant report...yet it is equally important work.
As a measure of respect to all my partners, and as is square dance custom, I will bow to my partners and thank you for the dance. It's been quite a month. Let's keep practicing because it's fun, it's important and my belief is that it's well worth a few missteps.
