A New Tool To Empower HealthCare Workers

A new study has found that using peer messaging to address workplace behavior can help the healthcare workforce successfully. Called Co-Worker Observation System, CORS allows people to report coworkers’ behavior anonymously.

The reports are addressed by a trained peer and only go through nursing leadership or human resources if necessary.

The developers of CORS, from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN, conducted a 10-year study that collected data showing the average person is more likely to listen to peer criticism and self-correct.

Here’s how it works. First, CORS encourages healthcare workers to address issues with professional behavior at the moment. If that doesn’t happen, then people can report and document their interactions or observations electronically. These reports are screened using natural language processing software coded by trained CORS coders. Then a nurse messenger, who is peer-selected based on role and tenure, will then share the report with the person who offended the reporting co-worker. Everything is anonymous, so the reporter’s name isn’t divulged.

The study examined 590 reports from September 2019 to August 2021 and found that most reports included more than one unprofessional behavior. Also found during the study:

• 49% of behaviors were related to issues of unclear or disrespectful communication
• 33% were related to performing duties and tasks that are part of a role
• 7% were related to appropriate medical care
• 6% to were related to professional integrity
• 5.2% were “a report of concern”

CORS is a system easily applied in the workplace and can significantly impact coworker camaraderie.

To learn more about how you can utilize CORS go here.

“It is important that healthcare workers feel safe and heard in the workplace, and this is a great tool that can be implemented to help facilitate reports and disagreements among coworkers,” Barbara Wlodyka, Human Resources Director at Specialty Rx, Inc.