Medical and health information manager.

  Imagine that you are a medical and health information manager. Your supervisor generally prefers receiving email or instant messages rather than having face-to-face meetings or talking on the phone. Watch the Interpersonal Communication Skills video to gain real-world insight about communicating in the health care field. What are your communication preferences? Do you think it’s important that your communication preferences match your supervisor’s communication preferences? Why or why not? Regardless of personal preferences, what are 2 situations where you think it would be better to request a meeting or make a telephone call to discuss an issue rather than send an email or instant message? What are 2 situations where you think an email or instant message would be better? Provide rationale  

Sample Solution

 

My Communication Preferences

As a medical and health information manager, I tend to favor written communication methods such as email and instant messages over face-to-face meetings or phone calls. This preference stems from several factors:

  1. Clarity and Precision: Written communication allows for greater clarity and precision in message delivery compared to verbal communication, which can be susceptible to misinterpretations and misunderstandings due to factors like tone, pace, and non-verbal cues.

  2. Record Keeping: Written communication provides a tangible record of discussions and decisions, which can be invaluable for reference and tracking purposes in the fast-paced healthcare environment.

Full Answer Section

 
  1. Flexibility and Contemplation: Written communication allows for more flexibility and time for contemplation, enabling one to carefully craft their response and ensure accuracy.
  2. Async Communication: Written communication facilitates asynchronous communication, which is particularly useful in the healthcare field where schedules may not always align.

Despite my personal preference for written communication, I recognize the importance of adapting to my supervisor's communication preferences and being versatile in my communication approach. Aligning with my supervisor's preferred communication style can foster rapport, enhance understanding, and streamline collaboration.

Situations for Face-to-Face Meetings or Phone Calls

While written communication offers several advantages, there are specific situations where face-to-face meetings or phone calls may be more effective:

  1. Sensitive or Urgent Matters: Discussing sensitive or urgent matters, such as performance issues or patient concerns, often benefits from the immediacy and personal touch of face-to-face or phone conversations.
  2. Building Relationships and Consensus: Establishing new relationships, fostering teamwork, and building consensus often require the interactive and nuanced nature of face-to-face or phone interactions.
  3. Complex or Emotional Discussions: Navigating complex or emotionally charged discussions can be more effectively handled through real-time interactions, allowing for immediate feedback and clarifications.

Situations for Email or Instant Messages

On the other hand, email or instant messages are particularly well-suited for certain situations:

  1. Routine Updates and Information Sharing: Providing routine updates, sharing non-urgent information, or exchanging simple details are tasks that can be efficiently handled through email or instant messages.
  2. Documenting Decisions and Agreements: Email or instant messages can serve as formal records of decisions, agreements, or action items, providing a clear reference point for future discussions.
  3. Asynchronous Collaboration: Collaborating on documents, scheduling meetings, or exchanging feedback can be effectively managed through email or instant messages, allowing for asynchronous contributions from team members.

Conclusion

Effective communication in the healthcare field requires a flexible and adaptable approach, considering both personal preferences and the nature of the communication. While written communication offers clarity and efficiency, face-to-face or phone conversations are often more suitable for sensitive, urgent, or relationship-building discussions. By understanding these nuances and tailoring communication methods accordingly, medical and health information managers can facilitate collaboration, ensure patient safety, and contribute to a positive work environment.

 

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