Learn how to give constructive feedback effectively to healthcare professionals, ensuring better patient care and professional development.

I once had a healthcare professional completely flip out when getting negative feedback from a colleague. It wasn't the feedback itself. (I reviewed it personally, and 100% agreed) What made her flippant was that the feedback came from someone who did not have the same professional degrees as her. Someone beneath her. Not surprisingly, she was promptly no longer with the organization. Takeaway: Graciously accept feedback. Lessons can come from anywhere.

Last updated on Jun 28, 2024

You're struggling to give feedback to healthcare professionals. How can you do it constructively?

Giving constructive feedback to healthcare professionals is a nuanced task that requires a balance of candor and empathy. In healthcare management, your ability to communicate effectively can significantly influence the quality of care and the workplace environment. Whether you're a hospital administrator, clinic manager, or lead a team in a healthcare setting, understanding how to deliver feedback constructively is crucial for fostering professional growth and maintaining high standards of patient care.

1 Understand Context

When preparing to give feedback, consider the context in which healthcare professionals operate. They often work under high stress and deal with life-and-death situations, so it's important to approach the conversation with sensitivity. Acknowledge the pressures they face and the complexity of their work. This understanding sets a foundation of respect and opens a channel for constructive dialogue. By framing your feedback within the reality of their job, you help them see it as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism.

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2 Set Clear Goals

Before entering a feedback session, it's important to have clear goals in mind. What do you hope to achieve with this conversation? Maybe you want to address a specific issue or encourage continued excellence in a particular area. By setting clear objectives, your feedback becomes more focused and actionable. Explain how the feedback aligns with broader organizational goals and patient care standards, which helps healthcare professionals understand the importance and relevance of what you're discussing.

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Juan Large

CEO | Singularity Health Canada
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One thing I've found helpful is setting clear goals before a feedback session. For example, as a healthcare manager preparing to discuss performance with a team member, start by determining what you want to achieve. Maybe you need to address a specific issue, like timeliness, or encourage continued excellence in patient care. Clear objectives make your feedback more focused and actionable. Explain how the feedback aligns with the hospital’s broader goals and patient care standards. This helps the team member understand the importance and relevance of the discussion. Additionally, outline the expected outcomes, showing how improved performance or continued excellence contributes to overall team success and patient care.

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3 Choose Timing

Timing is everything when giving feedback. Choose a moment when the healthcare professional is most receptive—not in the middle of a crisis or at the end of a grueling shift. Schedule a meeting at a time that allows for a calm, uninterrupted conversation. This demonstrates that you value their time and are considerate of their workload, which can make them more open to your message.

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4 Be Specific

Vague comments can lead to confusion and frustration. Be specific about what behaviors or outcomes you are addressing. Provide concrete examples to illustrate your points, and avoid generalizations that could be misinterpreted. Specificity not only makes your feedback more understandable but also gives clear direction on what can be improved or replicated in the future.

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5 Foster Dialogue

Feedback should not be a one-way street. Encourage healthcare professionals to share their perspectives and be prepared to listen actively. This fosters a collaborative environment where feedback is seen as a shared effort to improve rather than a top-down mandate. By engaging in a dialogue, you show respect for their expertise and experience, which can lead to more effective problem-solving and innovation.

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6 Follow Up

After providing feedback, it's important to follow up. This shows that you are committed to supporting their professional development and that the feedback wasn't just a one-off event. Set up a plan for checking in on progress and offer resources or assistance if needed. Following up reinforces the importance of the feedback and helps build a culture of continuous improvement in your healthcare setting.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Ashwin Patel, MD PhD

Better health through empathy | CMO @ Pyx Health
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I once had a healthcare professional completely flip out when getting negative feedback from a colleague. It wasn't the feedback itself. (I reviewed it personally, and 100% agreed) What made her flippant was that the feedback came from someone who did not have the same professional degrees as her. Someone beneath her. Not surprisingly, she was promptly no longer with the organization. Takeaway: Graciously accept feedback. Lessons can come from anywhere.

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Dr. Dhashmiya MS

Operations Manager | Talent Acquisition Partner | Business Development Executive | MBA - Healthcare Management | Trained in Digital Marketing & AI Tools Leverage | Nurturer
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Constructive feedback to healthcare professionals is crucial for their growth and improvement. Start by setting clear expectations and goals for performance. Provide feedback promptly, focusing on specific behaviors or outcomes rather than personality traits. Use the feedback sandwich method—start with positives, address areas for improvement, and end with encouragement. Be empathetic and listen actively to their perspectives. Offer actionable steps for improvement and follow up to monitor progress and offer support. Regular feedback sessions foster a culture of continuous learning and development.

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Katherine Cedeño-De Jesús, MA

Bilingual Lead Care Manager| Specialist in Underserved Populations | Health Tech
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For me what works is to: be specific, use "I" statements, focus on behaviors, not the person, offer solutions and encourage dialogue.

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You're struggling to give feedback to healthcare professionals. How can you do it constructively?

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1 Understand Context

2 Set Clear Goals

3 Choose Timing

4 Be Specific

5 Foster Dialogue

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare Management

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You're struggling to give feedback to healthcare professionals. How can you do it constructively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Context

2 Set Clear Goals

3 Choose Timing

4 Be Specific

5 Foster Dialogue

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare Management

Rate this article

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