Teamwork is essential in the support of older Persons living with complexity! In practice, however, there are many factors influencing shared assessment and care planning e.g. the depth and breadth of information needed, time, urgency, and access to resources. Whether in-the-moment or in urgent situations and with whatever information and Team members are available, a practical, priority-focused conversation is still possible.
There is great practicality and versatility in using the PIECES 3-Question Template to guide a Team approach to collaborative assessment, however brief, specific, and focused the information needs to be in the moment, for example during a Team Huddle.
A PIECES ‘Team Huddle’ can be in-person, virtual, or on the telephone and can be completed in 10 mins if necessary, anywhere across the continuum of care. Using the 3-Q Template will focus the assessment and care planning to ensure that by the end of the Team Huddle a priority action plan (Q3) is pulled together based on what the Team has identified as:
- the priority concerns (Q1) that need to be addressed now,
- the priority areas and degree of RISKS (related to those identified concerns) and the priority contributing factors that need to be explored at this time (Q2),
- and any immediate next steps for engaging the Team in those actions.
Remember, the Team always begins with the Person and Care Partner! Include them when possible, get their input beforehand, always engage them afterwards. Their wisdom and experience are important and invaluable, and will elevate the outcome of the Team Huddle.
