4. Risk management: The chair of the anesthesiology department contacts a representative from the hospital’s risk department following an intraoperative complication. This communication aims to address the incident, evaluate potential risks, and implement corrective measures to improve patient safety. By understanding and analyzing these examples of interdepartmental communication, healthcare professionals can recognize the importance of effective communication in coordinating patient care among specialities, responding to critical emergencies, promoting collaboration, and managing risks within a healthcare organization. Despite the common occurrence of interdepartmental communication in healthcare, several barriers impeding its effectiveness remain. Factors such as the absence of a communication framework, high work pressure, personal conflicts, physical separation, and tribalism can all hinder effective communication between providers of different departments. Overcoming these challenges requires intentional effort and a proficiency in communication skills. By understanding the barriers surrounding interdepartmental communication, developing essential traits, and implementing effective strategies, healthcare professionals can enhance interdepartmental communication to foster collaboration and teamwork in pursuit of improving patient outcomes. Helpful Qualities for Successful Interdepartmental Communication Patience Patience is an invaluable trait that greatly enhances communication. It allows one to remain calm and professional in a variety of challenging situations. For healthcare professionals, having the ability to tolerate these events in a professional manner can allow one to begin to solve the problem, rather than searching for a person, group, or policy to blame as a cause. By cultivating patience, individuals can approach interdepartmental communication with a
Preparedness and Time Preparedness and respect for time are essential in interdepartmental communication. Giving oneself sufficient time to prepare for challenging situations and providing advanced notice to other departments demonstrates respect for their work and time. Taking the appropriate time to communicate effectively and efficiently during interdepartmental interactions is often overlooked, however it is critical in ensuring that important information is conveyed and understood accurately. Pragmatism Pragmatism is an important mindset for effective interdepartmental communication. Instead of prioritizing personal preferences, healthcare professionals should aim for mutually beneficial goals that serve the needs of all parties involved. Being pragmatic allows for quick recognition of suboptimal situations and the ability to readjust aims in achieving optimal outcomes for everyone.
calm and curious mindset, fostering positive relationships and effective problem-solving skills when undesirable situations arise. Flexibility Flexibility in communication involves reciprocity and a commitment to teamwork. Healthcare professionals should maintain an adaptable mindset when communicating with other departments, recognizing the need to sacrifice and collaborate in achieving shared goals. Demonstrating flexibility in communication builds a reputation as a competent and cooperative colleague, inspiring confidence and admiration among colleagues and coworkers. Curiosity Curiosity plays a central role in navigating differences and conflicts arising from departmentalization. By cultivating a genuine curiosity about the goals and methods of other departments, healthcare professionals can gain a deeper understanding of their responsibilities without coming across as controlling or dominating. Attending conferences or rounds with colleagues from other departments, observing their work, and asking frequent questions encourages a spirit of mutual understanding and facilitates more open and honest dialogue. Equanimity Equanimity refers to maintaining a steady and composed state of mind. In high- acuity healthcare situations, equanimity enhances personal effectiveness, but it also influences those around you. Remaining calm and composed during challenging situations creates a positive environment and encourages others to remain calm and professional as well. Cultivating equanimity improves patient care by promoting effective communication among all parties involved and by reducing hasty responses which may introduce further conflict if situations are already tense.
overcome these potential barriers and enhance interdepartmental communication. To the extent possible, consider implementing the following methods: Regular Meeting Conditions Establish routine meetings or huddles where key players from different departments come together to discuss important matters and confirm business as usual. These regular interactions build channels of communication and trust to enhance preparedness for exigent situations. Communication Methods Utilize various communication media such as bulletin boards, whiteboards, digital screens, and inter-departmental emails to keep staff informed and share important information. Use concise and memorable messages, employ humor, sincerity, kindness, and consideration to increase the impact of your Emphasize rewards that benefit multiple parties and contribute to shared goals. For example, focus on reducing wasted time, which benefits both patients and staff by providing a more attentive care team and allowing the provider more personal time themselves. Chain of Command Establish a clear chain of command within departments to facilitate clear and orderly communication, decision making, and accountability. Be aware of the roles and authority associated with each position and seek answers from the appropriate authority when questions arise. Auditing Regularly assess your interactions with other departments through auditing and data analysis. Utilize objective data from mutually utilized sources to identify areas in need of improvement. Seek feedback from different individuals to ensure a comprehensive assessment of communication effectiveness. communication. Mutual Rewards
Residents efficiently utilizing the chain of command between two departments for prompt and effective decision making. Strategies for Strong Interdepartmental Communication When communicating in healthcare settings, it is crucial to recognize that despite having appropriate general education and good intentions, co-workers from different departments may not be fully equipped with the necessary tools for effective communication. Therefore, consider implementing strategies to
38
WHAT DID YOU SAY?
INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATION 39
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software