Question

As a Medical Administrator how are communication skills, time management , business etiquette , Empathy , and Integrity essential when working with patients in the medical office?

Describe each soft skill's importance within your organization when engaging with team members and patients ?

How one can develop and improve upon each soft skill ?

Answer 1

Healthcare is a fast-paced, high-risk industry which is changing rapidly with the use of new technologies in place. Each and every decision taken by the healthcare practitioners has an impact on the patient’s well being and potentially, their life. All healthcare professionals are responsible towards quality patient care where a good leader is one who can navigate the processes within the system for smooth functioning of the system by making employees work together in coordination.

There are essential skill sets which are essential for a medical administrator which are communication skills, time management, business etiquette, Empathy, and Integrity essential when working with patients in the medical office

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Communication skills are important for professionals in any career, and people of all walks of life. Good communication helps an administrator to share information effectively in an understandable manner thus reducing the communication gap. One of the important factors in communication is active listening which is very crucial when dealing with patients as this can create better understanding. Medical office administrators know the importance of effective communication, as they interact with patients, doctors, pharmacists, and suppliers on a regular basis helping the information shared effectively. The ability to make patients feel at ease is an important hallmark of a professional with medical office administrator because a medical office administrator will often be a patient’s first point of contact when they enter a clinic or hospital.

How to develop communication skills:

• Training from external resources to develop communication
• Practice on own by speaking in front of mirror
• Record one’s own communication and self analyze the content to initiate changes
• Communicate among peer groups with same interest thus to share knowledge and rectify errors
• Reading articles or newsletters to understand the changes in medical field and communicate with confidence

TIME MANAGEMENT:

Time management is the coordination of tasks and activities to maximize the effectiveness of an individual's efforts and to make smoother functioning of various processes within the organization. Essentially, the purpose of time management is enabling people to get more and better work done in less time. Effective time management elements include organization, planning and scheduling to best take advantage of the time available to the individual, while also taking into account that individual's particular situation and relevant characteristics. Healthcare industry is a tougher area because of the different demands and protocols.

How to develop time management skills:

• Establish goals to work effectively and complete task within stipulated time
• Prioritize your work day to complete work in time
• Take advantage of technology like use of computers and applications to schedule work up pattern and keeping reminders
• Delegate when possible so that the work is distributed and finishing task by team work can be more easier

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE:

Good business etiquette is a valuable skill-set that will make you stand out from others, enhance your chances to work effectively. Good business etiquette is the recipe for advancing your career. In the business world, people with good etiquette are rewarded for their professional and polite skills. These set of skills helps the patients, employees work in a good culture and environment. It enhances the quality outcome in patient care.

-Arrive on Time to complete task within stipulated time

-Dress appropriately to look better and pleasant and formal

-Speak kindly to accept others within the organization

-Avoid Gossip or Eavesdropping as these are considered to be childish behaviors in the workplace and this may create hindrances in the work completion

-Show Interest which enables better interpersonal relationship with colleagues and patients

-Watch Your Body Language to avoid unacceptable behaviors and create hurt among the patients and colleagues

-Introduce Yourself and Others

-Mind Your Mouth to avoid unnecessary arguments