WORKSHEET: Keys to UBT Participation
Purpose
This tool provides a scenario for co-leads and UBT members to read and
discuss to increase knowledge around the keys to UBT participation.
When to Use
Use this tool to increase understanding of the keys to team member
participation.
Who Uses
Co-leads and team members
How to Use
Read the scenario as a pair or with the entire UBT and answer the questions
together for further understanding about the keys to successful UBT
participation.
http://www.lmpartnership.org
WORKSHEET: Keys to UBT Participation
Know your union contract

Union solidarity is increased when people are actively involved in the
decisions that affect them.

Union solidarity is harmed when members are left out of decisions that
affect them.

Consensus must not be rushed or taken lightly.

Mistakes may be made—it’s important to find ways to resolve them and
keep the door open.
Which of the keys above would you consider the most important for successful
UBTs and why?
Scenario: Improving patient care
A UBT for one of Kaiser Permanente’s busiest psychiatric units was charged
with looking at how to improve access throughout the year.
The team, made up of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and
support staff, worked together to find a solution. They were dedicated to their
patients’ well-being. Yet up until a year ago, they had heard the following again
and again: “Ninety percent of new patients need to be seen within 2 weeks.
Your new patients are waiting too long to get in to talk to someone.”
The UBT co-leads communicated with unit shop stewards to find out what
process should be used to explore how to improve patient access. The union
representatives advised the UBT co-leads to consult with the entire team to
come up with a solution. They felt the best way to approach this issue was to
gather feedback and ideas from everyone involved.
In their initial meetings, the UBT co-leads helped the team establish working
agreements. The UBT held brainstorming sessions and came up with more
than 100 ideas. They rated the ideas using an online survey and interest-based
problem solving. The UBT consistently communicated its progress and results
with the department sponsors and mid-level managers to ensure they were in
alignment with the region’s business strategy and desired outcomes.
Shared decision making, accountability, and the freedom of team members and
frontline staff to express ideas helped the team problem solve. After
successfully implementing its ideas, the team was able to meet its goal and see
90 percent of new patients within 2 weeks.
http://www.lmpartnership.org
WORKSHEET: Keys to UBT Participation
Scenario: Improving patient care, continued
What did the UBT do right to reach the successful outcome?
Why was it important for the UBT to report its progress and results to
sponsors?
What tools did the UBT use to gather and reach consensus on ideas?
“When people talk, listen completely. Most people
never listen.”
-Ernest Hemingway
http://www.lmpartnership.org