Nonclinical professionals are the backbone of any healthcare organization. Here are four tips for nurturing their skills, keeping them engaged and integrating them into your patient care strategies.
Nonclinical staff rarely play the leads in TV hospital dramas. But fact is less strange than fiction. In the real world, the healthcare industry would judder to a halt if it weren’t for the skill and expertise of hospital executives, transcriptionists, medical billers, coders and all the other nonclinical professionals who provide vital support to care providers and patients.
It’s a human resource worth nurturing. By empowering nonclinical staff, you can improve communication and support for patients, encourage shared decision-making and reduce waiting times. Since nonclinlical workers comprise around half of all healthcare employees, the potential for growth and development is virtually limitless — if you’re willing to invest in your team’s development and well-being.
Here are four strategies to attract, retain and support nonclinical staff while integrating them into your core care team:
1. promote a flexible & supportive work culture
Flexible work arrangements allow employees to balance their personal and professional lives better, reducing stress and boosting productivity. For instance, medical transcriptionists might work from home during certain hours, while IT specialists could provide support remotely and be on-site for maintenance or troubleshooting.
Embracing flexibility can also help you attract top talent as more professionals seek jobs that offer a healthy work/life balance. And with fewer people in the office full-time, you can reduce overhead costs and use the available space better.
2. drive your team to deliver exceptional service
Today’s patients expect exceptional service from their healthcare providers. To meet and exceed these expectations, equip your team with targeted training to enhance communication, create a welcoming environment and streamline services. Measures might include implementing prompt appointment scheduling, offering personalized assistance during visits and providing diligent follow-up care. Striving for excellence in this way keeps your staff energized and makes patients feel valued.
3. develop a patient advocate program
Patient advocates can be indispensable assets for healthcare providers. They serve as intermediaries, helping patients navigate the complexities of their healthcare plans and ensuring they receive the best possible care. By assisting with health plan negotiations, processing paperwork and connecting patients to community resources, advocates reduce their patients’ anxiety and empower them to make informed decisions.
Before hiring a patient advocate externally, consider re-skilling and promoting someone from your current team. These career development opportunities can boost morale throughout your workforce and help you attract and retain top talent.
4. harness the power of telehealth
Telehealth is a game-changer, making care more accessible to patients. Through technology like video consultations, remote monitoring and online patient portals, telehealth can help patients manage chronic conditions, receive timely care during emergencies and access specialist consultations without the need for extensive travel.
To unlock the full potential of telehealth, you’ll need to train your nonclinical staff on the latest technologies and best practices. This gives them the knowledge they need to advise patients on telehealth options so that they can reap the full benefits of the available services. By facilitating remote and in-person interactions and striking the right balance between the two, nonclinical staff can contribute to the kind of patient-centered healthcare experience that every provider should aspire to.
Don't miss the opportunity to hire the best nonclinical talent available. Partner with Randstad today for comprehensive support in building a strong, dedicated team to improve patient care and differentiate you from competitors.