Analyze the different communication skills and communication channels that can be used by healthcare administrators
Within the healthcare system, there are different ways in which the healthcare administrators can effectively convey information or messages. These channels range from necessary face-to-face talks to telecommunication channels such as text messages, emails, and computational channels like the medical record. Different communication channels suit various tasks. Healthcare administrators often use telephones due to their two-way synchronous advantage whereby they can exchange information with other staff members at the same time when there is little or no cognitive load. On the other hand, when interruptions need to be minimized, and there is no immediate urgency from busy healthcare practitioners, they can decide to use asynchronous channels. These are indirect communication channels such as placing notes on colleagues desks or even other complex messaging systems that these health practitioners can use to support their interaction.
Identify strategies for advancing communication used by the healthcare administrators in today’s healthcare environment
Presently, various approaches can be put in place to improve communication in the healthcare system. Firstly, the incorporation of effective communication during the training of health care staff is crucial (Tulsky, Beach, Butow, et al., 2017). This enables them to efficiently handle patients, especially when instructing them, validating and verifying their thoughts and feelings, and even when empathetically listening to them. Secondly, creating a communication culture is necessary. Through modeling behavior of positive communication within the organization, health workers are encouraged to maintain this attribute. Also, implementing patient satisfaction surveys to determine areas of concern that need to be improved as a strategy is essential. The feedbacks obtained from the patients will allow the administration to enhance communication among staff and the patients themselves.
Examine the implication that the environment (e.g., operating room vice budget office) and diversity (e.g., age, gender, culture, level of health literacy, etc.) have on communication
The environment can either positively or negatively affect communication. On the positive side, having a conversation in a quiet room with little interference with a patient is convenient as both parties will come to an understanding in a short period and little obstacles faced. On the contrary, the environment can be a barrier to effective communication limiting the possibility of coming to an understanding between two parties (Sethi, & Rani, 2017). For instance, a conversation in an operating room with a lot of noise and movement of objects poses distractions. Diversity also affects communication. It usually involves the perception individuals have on themselves and that they have on others. These perceptions affect how they interact and communicate. Each individual is oriented to a given culture with rules and values that need not be overlooked when talking with them. As such, healthcare providers need to prioritize both diversity and environmental factors when trying to communicate effectively.
Discuss what healthcare leaders can do to improve communication among their staff and patients.
In order to improve communication among staff and patients, healthcare leaders need to regularly schedule staff meetings. These are meetings that discuss patients’ feedback and the noticed strengths and weaknesses among the team. This will make them learn and professionally develop their overall communication skills (Foronda, MacWilliams, & McArthur, 2016). Through these meetings, healthcare practitioners also share their thoughts and ideas on communication challenges, making them work as a team and openly exchange information. Moreover, healthcare leaders need to make use of technology appropriately. Technology has improved and eased the manner in which individuals communicate. For instance, with the availability of electronic healthcare record systems, accurate data that is private and can be easily accessed when needed is obtained. Therefore, it is crucial for these leaders to effectively incorporate such to improve communication between staff and patients for quality and informed care.