Aligning Staff Traits with Patient Needs
In healthcare, particularly in services delivered directly in clients’ homes, the compatibility between staff and patients is crucial. Lena Reily, a seasoned manager at a healthcare facility in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), shares valuable insights on the importance of aligning staff traits with the needs and expectations of the people they support.
Understanding Patient Needs
Patients have specific traits they look for in their support staff, which is a critical aspect of healthcare that often goes unnoticed.
“Patients want someone who listens, answers their questions, and is patient,”Lena explains.
This understanding forms the foundation of effective patient care, particularly in home-based settings where the interaction is intimate and continuous.
The Importance of Rapport
Lena points out that developing a good rapport between staff and patients is sometimes challenging.
“There have been times when it hasn’t worked out due to personality clashes,”
It’s natural for these situations to occur, as individual personalities can differ significantly.
When such mismatches happen, Lena’s approach is practical yet thoughtful.
“We may relocate staff to another setting; it’s about finding the right fit,”
This flexibility is key to maintaining the quality of care and ensuring that both staff and patients are comfortable.
Adapting to Patient Environments
Most of Lena’s staff work in what are essentially the patients’ personal spaces—
“This is their home,”
The primary goal is to make staff assimilate into the patients’ environments rather than forcing patients to adapt to the ways of the staff. This patient-centric approach not only respects the patient’s comfort and autonomy but also enhances the effectiveness of the care provided.
The Role of Accommodation Supports
In addition to home services, Lena mentions that they run day programs, but the core focus remains on accommodation supports. The challenge and goal here are to integrate staff into a setting that is inherently personal to the patient, which requires a delicate balance of respect, adaptability, and professional boundaries.
Implementing Lena’s Insights in Healthcare Recruitment
For those involved in hiring for healthcare, particularly in settings like those Lena manages, it becomes imperative to consider these insights:
- Focus on Patient-Preferred Traits: During the hiring process, it’s important to evaluate potential staff not only on their professional qualifications but also on their ability to embody the traits valued by patients.
- Flexible Staff Placement: Recognize the necessity of moving staff to find the best interpersonal fits, which improves overall service quality and patient satisfaction.
Adapting Recruitment Strategies
Healthcare facilities and staffing agencies should train hiring managers to identify candidates who are not just capable but also compatible with the patients’ personalities and home environments. Job descriptions and postings should highlight the need for adaptability, patience, and strong listening skills.
By integrating these practices based on Lena’s expertise, healthcare providers can significantly enhance the quality of care and ensure a harmonious relationship between staff and patients. For more detailed insights and strategies in healthcare recruitment, watch Lena’s full video here.
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