Dear Colleagues,
It was a pleasure joining the Tier 1 huddle at the Missouri Psychiatric Center (MUPC) on March 9. About six months ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Tier 2 manager huddle at MUPC, and I wanted to get the Tier 1 perspective from frontline health care professionals who care for patients across the psychiatric units.
MUPC includes five primary units: one adult unit on the south side, one adult unit on the north side, a pediatric unit, and two assessment units — one serving adults and one serving pediatric patients.
I was escorted to the third-floor huddle by Shannon Fucik, system chief nurse executive; Theresa Isaacs, director of MUPC; and Sherry Rickard, clinical manager.
The huddle was led by Raquel Vaughn, clinical educator, who was serving as the substitute supervisor. During the huddle, nurse managers from each unit provided updates on patient census, available beds and patients identified as high risk, along with the reasons for those designations. Representatives from security and environmental services also participated and provided updates. We received additional reports on staffing levels from nursing, therapy, social work and security. I was pleased to hear all units were well staffed.
Over the years, I have participated in a number of Tier 1 huddles, and most are conducted for a single unit. This was the first time I observed a combined huddle for multiple units.
The team explained that because the units share many common operational considerations — including security and environmental needs — and that staff frequently float between units, a combined Tier 1 huddle supports efficient and effective coordination across the units.
While chatting with Elizabeth Richards, office support specialist, at the MUPC front desk, I noticed construction happening across from the reception area. That area is being transformed into a new consultation room where physicians can meet privately with family members to discuss patient care. This addition addresses a need identified by several MUPC residents who advocated for a dedicated, confidential space — and it’s great to see their feedback producing a meaningful improvement for patients and their families.
I appreciated not only the warm welcome but also the glimpse into the excellent patient care provided at MUPC via the Tier 1 huddle.
My sincere thanks go to the providers, nurses and staff who serve our patients and their families with such dedication. Psychiatric care is an essential part of our mission to save and improve lives here in central Missouri.
Sincerely,
Rick Barohn, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Hugh E. and Sarah D. Stephenson Dean, School of Medicine
rbarohn@health.missouri.edu
