Staff Education as a Wise Investment
Success Requires a Team Effort
The Medical Protective Company
Employment experts tell us that businesses rise or fall based on the quality of their employees. This is likely true in a clinical environment as in any other business venture.
Risk analysis of closed surgical malpractice claims supports the contention that the overall healthcare team has a direct impact on patient safety and satisfaction. When employees feel that they are valued for their contributions to the practice, they are often more likely to invest themselves in the organization ' s success, which includes maintaining patient safety and satisfaction.
So, it is fair to assume that medical practices that invest in team building are likely to have lower rates of employee turnover. And, just as in any successful organization, having an experienced team in a medical practice reduces the risks of error and patient dissatisfaction.
Find Ways To Be a Learning Organization
Just as healthcare providers are encouraged to conduct risk management analyses of their practices, it also makes sense to conduct educational assessments to identify:( a) gaps in communication,( b) policies that should be revamped or reinforced, and( c) opportunities for education about new topics or issues( as well as re-education about subjects that have already been addressed in new employee training or in-service updates).
Practices should have formal training programs for new employees that tie into their written job descriptions and reinforce a policy of professionalism, cooperation, and collegial communication. Parttime or temporary staff also should receive formal training because, like full-time employees, they need to understand the practice ' s policies, procedures, and day-to-day operations.
Additionally, whenever an employee ' s job description includes responsibilities that could reasonably be improved through training— such as communicating with patients, using various pieces of equipment, or handling billing issues— a written education program should set forth the formats, accountabilities, and methods of measurement to be used.
When employees complete training or education, proof of completion should be documented and maintained in their human resource files.
Changes in Technology, Equipment, or Materials
The use of equipment or materials for patient care is another area that should receive periodic review to ensure consistency in employee practice. Employees ' job descriptions may need to address competency and compliance with equipment-related policies and procedures, such as authorization to use certain types of equipment.
The purchase of any new equipment or materials should trigger a risk assessment to determine whether staff training and the development of written procedures will be required. This is especially valuable if the use of the new equipment or material requires substantial changes in the processes staff will use going forward. Assessments related to new equipment should consider the equipment’ s use, calibration, maintenance plan, and repair tag processes. Continue reading...
MedPro
’ s OMS Preferred program is specifically designed to serve the unique needs of oral and maxillofacial surgeons across the country. MedPro is the leader in healthcare malpractice insurance and was the first company involved when malpractice allegations became prevalent more than a century ago. MedPro has been defending the reputations and assets of oral and maxillofacial surgeons since 1899 and will continue to do so for years to come.