The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have focused greatly on the challenges of mental health ...
Healthcare collaboration and connection has never been more important
This year has certainly put our ability to collaborate and connect to the test. In some ways, it has redefined our understanding of what it means. Healthcare design company Evoke Projects explores the modern definition and the benefits of workplace collaboration.
What is workplace collaboration?
Collaboration is generally understood as a united effort towards a common goal. It involves people sharing ideas, brainstorming, having open communication and contributing skills.
During 2020, online tools became increasingly important for collaboration as more people worked from home. Adoption of file sharing, video conferencing and social media skyrocketed, with usage not restricted to the workplace as families relied on technology to stay in touch. In the healthcare industry, telehealth revolutionised medical appointments. Around 18 million telehealth consultations have taken place since March 2020.1
The sudden change in working patterns caused the practicality of collaboration to go under the microscope like never before. We also realised the importance of connection in the workplace during enforced periods of working from home. Many people missed the camaraderie and face to face communication. The practicality of collaboration and ability to connect at work were once taken for granted, but now form part of our understanding of true collaboration.
Benefits of workplace collaboration
Long term profitability – While individual achievements might translate into short term revenue or profits, collaboration adds value to the workflow resulting in longer term gains to a medical centre or healthcare practice.
Improved motivation and well-being – Working together as a team contributes to a sense of belonging and connection, which is important to human beings. Our work relationships affect our motivation, productivity and indeed, our mental health. Successful collaboration improves morale and promotes a positive work culture.
Skill optimisation – workplace collaboration makes the most of the knowledge, experience and skills of all participants.
Faster problem solving – collaboration solves problems more quickly as extra talent is brought to the table.
Greater purpose – a team that has a common goal becomes more focused on achieving that goal.
How your healthcare design strategy can support collaboration
We have already mentioned the new focus on the practical aspects of collaboration. The healthcare design team at Evoke Projects have some practical tips for ensuring your staff can collaborate more easily.
Optimise technology – When choosing which file sharing and video conferencing software to use, consider users both in the practice and at home. Staff may need new home routers, upgraded internet plans or help updating firmware to get the most out of their home networks. It is also worth training staff on cybersecurity basics so that everyone can collaborate confidently.
Create a team based practice design – Design your healthcare practice to reflect the modern patient care model which tends to be team based. Give doctors and ancillary health professionals the collaboration spaces they need to work together. Meeting rooms are not always necessary; consider using meeting pods with power, charging points and screens for reviewing X-rays and scans.
Breakout for social familiarity – Breaking down cultural and generational barriers is important for collaboration. Getting to know co-workers on a personal level helps to build relationships between different groups of people. Lounge areas, booths, breakfast bars, courtyards and roof gardens are perfect breakout spaces within a healthcare fit-out to encourage people to interact informally. Outside the practice, a lunchtime walking group, a work trivia team or a charity fundraiser can help people to get to know each other. Add feature walls, funky brand colours, phone charging outlets and biophilic design elements to make the breakout area attractive.
Add better acoustics to the healthcare fit-out – Privacy and confidentiality are obviously important factors in healthcare interior design, but the hard surfaces typically used for easy cleaning reflect sound. White noise, acoustic partitions and soundproof zones will help with private consultations.
Healthcare practices that recognise the value of collaboration can reap productivity and staff well-being benefits. Please call Evoke Projects on 1300 720 692 to find out more about healthcare designs that support collaboration.
1. https://independentaustralia.net/business/business-display/the-success-of-telehealth,14265