Improving Healthcare Communications in 3 Simple Steps

Whether you run a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital, communication is critical not only for patient health but also for the health of your organization. Healthcare communications can dramatically improve the way your staff works together and functions as a unit. If you're not pleased with your communication methods, here are three ways to improve them right now.

Encourage Healthcare Providers to Use Group Text

Group text messages can help healthcare providers communicate no matter how far away they are from each other physically. They can consult on shared patients, ask quick questions, and feel more in control over their environments.

It's easier to send a group text when you need several staff members to know something than to fire off emails or call each person individually. Plus, text messages tend to get read faster than emails, instant messages, and other forms of communication.

Hold Regular Meetings to Check In With Staff

While technology can serve a valuable role in keeping your healthcare staff connected, personal communication can prove just as necessary. Holding regular staff meetings allows healthcare professionals to sit down with one another face-to-face and to build rapport.

Meetings don't have to take up too much time. Medical facilities tend to be fast-paced, and many providers face time-sensitive patient issues. A quick meeting once a week, however, allows anyone to voice concerns, ask questions, or update everyone else.

Use EHRs to Boost Communications Between Providers and With Patients

In combination with group text, electronic health records (EHRs), can bring your medical practice into the 21st century. EHRs are easier, more effective, safer, and more reliable than paper files. Providers can access their patient data, notes, tests, charts, and other information from their tablet or laptop computers. Nurses don't have to fetch bulky files when bringing a patient in for an examination.

Some EHRs feature instant messaging services, but group text can make the process even more productive. Providers might carry their smartphones everywhere, but they don't always have their tablets and computers, so time-sensitive information should go out in a group text, while other communications can take place within the EHR.

Assemble Consistent Care Teams

Patients and providers often feel safer and more in control when they work with the same people every day. A consistent care team can provide better communications with patients and with each other, and the entire process becomes more relaxed and efficient.

Additionally, it's important to stress communications with patients as well as with other members of the care team. In many healthcare settings, patients do not feel informed about their health, which can break down communications and leave questions unanswered.

Regardless of the type of medical practice, group text, EHRs, consistent care teams, and regular meetings can all contribute to improved healthcare communications. If you're ready to take your healthcare staff to the next level, sign up for free and take advantage of group text functionality.