IN-DEPTH: POSITIVE FEEDBACK THE POWER OF W


hen emergency medicine consultants Dr Anu Mitra and Dr Tom Evens heard Dr Adrian Plunkett


POSITIVITY


of Birmingham Children’s Hospital speak about the power of recognising positive performance, they were inspired. They brought the idea back to the Trust, where it resonated with Dr Alison Sanders, clinical director for emergency medicine. “I used to be an Olympic rower,” explains Ali, “and during my time as an athlete I learnt how important it was to analyse the good performances, as well as the bad. When my colleagues introduced this idea I was keen to take it forward as part of our work on safety.”


Ali saw the benefits this approach could have on staff wellbeing and how this in turn could help staff dealing with a wide range of pressures.


“I asked Tom to lead on this as he had already done similar work at the London


Positive messages from staff to their colleagues


Ambulance Service. His experience was invaluable and it meant that we were able to quickly roll out a successful positive reporting online tool that flew from day one.”


POSITIVE REPORTING IN PRACTICE This tool was introduced in January 2018, at both Charing Cross and St Mary’s emergency departments.


Positive reporting is simple and quick. Using a digital form, staff write and submit a positive message for a colleague. The message is briefly reviewed by a moderator and sent on within 48 hours. The messages are anonymised and sent to managers who use them to inform management strategies and plan more formal recognition, such as the nomination that went on to win this year’s Make a Difference team of the year award.


Our emergency departments are using a new positive reporting tool to help recognise good work and increase staff motivation.


“We didn’t expect an instant result but it’s clear that even after just a few months it has become ingrained in the way staff think,” Ali says. “We all think we tell people how well they’re doing but in reality most of us probably don’t do it often enough. This tool helps to provide that extra bit of recognition.


“Staff have been incredibly receptive and it’s really boosted morale. The anonymised reports sent to managers give us an overview of the cultural tone in the department. Currently the standout theme seems to be helpfulness, and the biggest benefit of this initiative is appreciation, which is fantastic to see.


We’re averaging about 100 reports a month which is great. I am thankful to Tom and Anu for bringing this idea to the department – it’s a real achievement.”


“Thank you for this email, it’s…


“It’s very nice to receive this positive report – positive feedback is too often overlooked when


everyone is busy but it can make such a difference.”


nice to be appreciated and it makes a difference to all of us when we all work together!”


“Thank you very much for this – it’s great to feel appreciated!”


Autumn 2018


“Thank you very much for this. It’s both exciting and humbling to be recognised!”


Pulse/ 13


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