Conversations with a colleague in difficulty. Anaesthesia.

1. Communicating with a colleague in difficulty
Dr Tanya Selak
@GongGasGirl
#CombiSIG19

2. Conflict of interest
Acknowledgements
@GongGasGirl #CombiSIG19

4. Are your
intentions
honourable?
@GongGasGirl #CombiSIG19

5. A Colleague in Difficulty
Late
Angry
Rude
Sloppy work
Sloppy appearance
Poor technique
Physical
Alcohol/Drug
Overwork
Financial
Physical/Mental Illness
Relationship/Family
Ageing
Personality disorder (e.g. narcissist)
Symptom Difficulty
@GongGasGirl #CombiSIG19

6. Step 1:
Triage
@GongGasGirl #CombiSIG19

7. Step 2:
Set Up
Where
When
Whom
Collateral
information
Prepare plan
for multiple
different
outcomes
Review
standards
@GongGasGirl #CombiSIG19

8. Step 3:
The Conversation
Psychologically safe
Allow opportunity to explain
Explore difficulties
Social support
Code of conduct / expectations
Mutually agreed plan
@GongGasGirl #CombiSIG19

9. Step 4:
Follow up
Private note
Email
Consider escalation
@GongGasGirl #CombiSIG19

10. Step 5:
Self-Care
Trusted colleague
Medical defence
@GongGasGirl #CombiSIG19

11. ‘To me, a good medic needs to
follow the yellow brick road to
Oz because all you need is a
brain to figure out what’s
wrong, courage to stand up
and do it (sometimes you
meet resistance) and both of
these are useless unless you
have a heart to do it with love
and honorable intentions.’
@GongGasGirl #CombiSIG19Josephine Hinds @docjohnsmum