Browsing by Author "Miller, Melissa"

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    A pilot study protocol of a relational coordination training intervention among healthcare professionals in an Army medical center
    (Springer Nature, 2025-03-04) House, Sherita; Perkins, Susan M.; Miller, Melissa; Taylor‑Clark, Tanekkia; Newhouse, Robin; Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
    Background: As patient care becomes more complex, high-quality communication and relationships among healthcare professionals are critical to coordinating care. Relational coordination (RC), a process of high-quality communication supported by shared goals, shared knowledge, and mutual respect, is positively associated with better patient (e.g., quality of care) and staff (e.g., job satisfaction, and retention) outcomes. A few researchers have found that communication skills training improves RC in civilian hospitals. However, researchers have not tested the feasibility of conducting communication skills training based on the RC framework among healthcare professionals in military hospitals. To address this gap, we propose conducting an RC training intervention in a military hospital. The primary aim of the proposed pilot study is to determine the feasibility (e.g., recruitment, retention, and completion rates) of conducting an RC training intervention in an Army medical center. The secondary aim is to explore the acceptability and usability of the RC training intervention. We will also explore changes in RC, quality of care, job satisfaction, and intent to stay among participants following the RC training intervention. Methods: A single-group feasibility study will be conducted among nurses and physicians from three units (intensive care unit, medical-surgical, and labor and delivery unit). A convenience sample of licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), resident physicians, and physicians from the participating units will be invited to complete a 1-h RC training intervention once a month for 3 months. Participants will complete RC, quality of care, job satisfaction, and intent to stay measures at baseline and 2 weeks after each RC training intervention session. To assess the feasibility of conducting an RC training intervention, we will examine recruitment/retention rates, intervention session completion rates, and survey measure completion rates. Acceptability will be assessed qualitatively through focus group interviews, and results will be used to refine the intervention and determine if the selected measures align with participant experiences. For our secondary aim, we will explore the acceptability of the RC training intervention through focus group interviews. We will also explore changes in outcome measures using descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals. Discussion: Findings will establish the feasibility and acceptability of conducting an RC intervention in a military hospital and inform refinement of the intervention and study procedures prior to conducting a larger randomized controlled trial to establish efficacy.
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    The impact of professional role and demographic characteristics on job satisfaction and retention among healthcare professionals in a military hospital
    (Wiley, 2022) House, Sherita; Crandell, Jaime; Miller, Melissa; Stucky, Christopher; School of Nursing
    Background: Job satisfaction is significantly associated with retention. Although several factors are associated with job satisfaction and retention (pay, leadership, mentorship), the association of demographic characteristics has been understudied in the literature. Purpose: To explore whether professional role and demographic characteristics are associated with job satisfaction and intent to stay among nurses and physicians in a military medical center. Methods: We conducted a descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study, and collected data via surveys. We used multiple regression to evaluate study variables. Results: Two hundred and eighty-nine participants completed the survey. Professional role and demographic characteristics were not associated with job satisfaction. Professional role, race, and education were associated with intent to stay for military respondents. Physicians (β = 0.53, p = .0259) and Caucasians (β = -0.55, p = .0172) reported lower intent to stay; respondents with graduate degrees reported higher intent to stay (β = 2.47, p = .0045). Professional role and demographic characteristics were not associated with intent to stay for civilians. Conclusion: Job satisfaction and retention of nurses and physicians are critical to the quality of care. Civilian and military healthcare leaders should focus on interventions that enhance job satisfaction and retention as a strategy to improve patient and staff outcomes alike.