Explore how to find common ground between medical staff and admin teams for better patient care in healthcare management.

Finding common ground between medical staff and administrative teams requires a deliberate and structured approach that promotes communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding. By establishing clear communication channels, developing shared goals, implementing collaborative decision-making processes, and leveraging technology, healthcare organizations can align the perspectives of both groups to enhance patient care. Fostering a culture of respect, continuous improvement, and patient-centered care will further ensure that both medical and administrative teams work together effectively for the benefit of patients and the organization as a whole

Last updated on Sep 7, 2024

Balancing patient care perspectives between medical staff and admin teams. How can you find common ground?

In healthcare management, ensuring the best patient care often requires navigating the distinct perspectives of medical staff and administrative teams. These two groups naturally view patient care from different vantage points: medical staff focus on direct patient outcomes and care protocols, while administrators handle operational efficiency, compliance, and financial sustainability. Finding common ground between these perspectives is critical for a harmonious and effective healthcare environment that benefits patients most of all.

1 Mutual Goals

Both medical staff and administrative teams ultimately aim to provide excellent patient care, albeit through different lenses. The first step to finding common ground is acknowledging that both groups want what is best for patients. By focusing on this shared objective, you can foster a culture of collaboration. Encourage open dialogue where each side can express their concerns and contributions towards patient care. This understanding can bridge gaps and align efforts towards a unified healthcare delivery approach.

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Ahmad muneer

Service Manager Addiction, Maudsley Health
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Balancing patient care perspectives involves open communication through regular meetings, aligning on shared goals, and involving both teams in decision-making. Cross-training builds empathy, while transparent processes address both clinical and administrative needs. Establish conflict resolution protocols and use feedback systems for ongoing improvement. Celebrating successes strengthens collaboration. These steps help medical staff and admin teams work together effectively to enhance patient care.

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Mayaven Naidoo

Specialist Psychiatrist/Universal Health Coverage Advocate at Allied Minds Health Network Inc/Clinical Director at Carewell Subacute Stilbaai
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From my clinical experience having worked in various healthcare settings within the NHS (United Kingdom) and in the South African healthcare sector, common ground is usually achieved once expectations either explicit and implicit are discussed within the attending healthcare team which includes non-clinical staff. Failure or inadequate communication between clinical and non-clinical staff regarding their expectations often leads to mismatched expectations and consequent difficulties in finding common ground.

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Fernando Granda Garavi

SOLCA - Matriz Guayaquil - Coordinador de Servicio al Paciente
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Todo evolucióna muy rapido y debemos movernos en ese mismo sentido. Creo mucho en la emociónes, la comunicación efectiva. Cuando eres genuino y pones pasión en que haces, nada es difícil. Cuando el objetivo es claro y el equipo es unido, todo se puede lograr.

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2 Communication Channels

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful organization. In healthcare, it's imperative to establish clear, open channels between medical staff and administrative teams. Regular meetings, joint committees, and feedback systems can help both sides understand each other's challenges and priorities. When both groups are informed and involved in decision-making processes, it fosters a sense of ownership and mutual respect, which is essential for balancing differing perspectives on patient care.

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3 Empathy and Understanding

Empathy plays a significant role in healthcare management. Encouraging medical staff and administrators to walk in each other's shoes can promote a deeper understanding of the pressures and responsibilities each face. Workshops or shadowing programs can be invaluable in providing insight into the daily realities of different roles within the healthcare system. This empathy can lead to more thoughtful decision-making that takes into account the complexities each side manages.

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4 Shared Training

Cross-training initiatives provide opportunities for medical staff and administrators to learn about each other's roles and the impact they have on patient care. By understanding the intricacies of each other's work, both sides can appreciate the challenges and constraints they face. Shared training sessions also serve as a platform for discussing how to improve patient care collaboratively, fostering a team-oriented environment.

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5 Joint Problem-Solving

When issues arise, involving both medical staff and administrative teams in the problem-solving process can lead to more innovative and effective solutions. A joint approach ensures that decisions consider the full spectrum of patient care, from clinical outcomes to financial feasibility. This collaborative problem-solving can also build trust and reinforce the idea that both groups are working towards a common goal.

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6 Continuous Improvement

Lastly, establishing a culture of continuous improvement can help maintain the balance between medical and administrative perspectives. Regularly reviewing processes, outcomes, and patient feedback with representatives from both sides can identify areas for enhancement. This ongoing commitment to betterment ensures that the patient care model evolves with the changing healthcare landscape, keeping both patient needs and organizational health at the forefront.

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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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Mathias Goyen, Prof. Dr.med.

Chief Medical Officer at GE HealthCare
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Finding common ground between medical staff and administrative teams requires a deliberate and structured approach that promotes communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding. By establishing clear communication channels, developing shared goals, implementing collaborative decision-making processes, and leveraging technology, healthcare organizations can align the perspectives of both groups to enhance patient care. Fostering a culture of respect, continuous improvement, and patient-centered care will further ensure that both medical and administrative teams work together effectively for the benefit of patients and the organization as a whole

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Balancing patient care perspectives between medical staff and admin teams. How can you find common ground?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Mutual Goals

2 Communication Channels

3 Empathy and Understanding

4 Shared Training

5 Joint Problem-Solving

6 Continuous Improvement

7 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare Management

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Balancing patient care perspectives between medical staff and admin teams. How can you find common ground?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Mutual Goals

2 Communication Channels

3 Empathy and Understanding

4 Shared Training

5 Joint Problem-Solving

6 Continuous Improvement

7 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare Management

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