Central to the success of the GEDI model is identifying an ED physician with a special interest in geriatrics. This enables the model to have senior medical support to facilitate the implementation of a GEDI service and assist in the acceptance of the model. It is this influence within the ED that can facilitate the change and acceptance required to embed the model in the ED.
Both the GEDI ED physician and CNC need to work closely, collaboratively with mutual professional respect and being ‘like-minded’ in their vision for the model and resilient to obstruction and challenges. Departmental support of non-clinical time to establish a GEDI service is paramount.
The ED physician adopts the role of the GEDI Champion and therefore needs to have clinical expertise, the capacity to inspire and empower the specialist GEDI CNC and CNs and drive the change process with ED management (Rogers, 2003; Batras, Duff & Smith, 2016; O’Loughlin et al., 1998). Some of the attributes required of this position include:
- Developing the GEDI team
- Recognition of skill sets of others
- Allowing others to grow – build excellence
- Facilitating the roles of CNs and CNC – performance appraisal
- Support team in difficult times – counselling
- Facilitating the insertion of the GEDI team into ED management practice
- Removal of barriers
- Try something new – if it didn’t work, innovate
- Advocate for nurse-led models of care in support of the medical team
- Being open minded and utilising constructive criticism
- Having influence in the organisation
- Rising above negativity and micro politics
- Persistence
- Resilience for championing the GEDI model during fluctuating management and executive engagement
- Making effective short term gains
- A long-term focus on sustainability.
Identify the GEDI ED physician role
If the GEDI ED Physician role is not filled, progress with the GEDI model will be at significant risk.
