4.4 Spotlight Application

Jamie has recently completed his orientation to the emergency department at a busy Level 1 trauma center. The environment is fast paced, and there are a multitude of patients who require care during any given shift. Jamie appreciates his colleagues and the collaboration that is reflected among members of the health care team especially in times of stress. Jamie is providing care for an 8-year-old patient who has broken her arm when there is a call that there are three Level 1 trauma patients approximately 5 minutes from the ER. The trauma surgeon reports to the ER, and multiple members of the trauma team report to the ER intake bays. With this type of clinical care situation, what leadership style from the trauma surgeon would Jamie expect to be most helpful for directing the team?

In a stressful clinical care situation, where rapid action and direction are needed, an autocratic leadership style is most effective. There is not time for debating different approaches to care in a situation where immediate intervention may be required. Concise commands, direction, and responsive action from the team are needed to ensure that patient care interventions are delivered quickly to enhance chance of survival and recovery.