What are effective communication strategies for patient advocates in cross-functional coordination?

1 Understand your role

Before you communicate with anyone, you need to understand your role and scope as a patient advocate. What are your goals, responsibilities, and limitations? How can you best represent your client's needs, preferences, and rights? How can you avoid conflicts of interest or ethical dilemmas? By clarifying your role, you can establish credibility, trust, and rapport with other parties.

2 Know your audience

Each stakeholder you communicate with has a different perspective, background, and agenda. Therefore, you need to know your audience and tailor your message accordingly. What are their concerns, expectations, and motivations? What are their communication styles, preferences, and barriers? How can you address their questions, objections, and feedback? By knowing your audience, you can adapt your tone, language, and approach to suit each situation.

3 Use active listening

Active listening is a key skill for effective communication. It means that you pay attention, show interest, and provide feedback to the speaker. It also means that you avoid interrupting, judging, or arguing with the speaker. By using active listening, you can demonstrate empathy, respect, and understanding. You can also clarify any misunderstandings, confirm any agreements, and identify any gaps or issues.

4 Be clear and concise

When you communicate with others, you want to be clear and concise. You want to convey your main points, facts, and evidence without being vague, ambiguous, or redundant. You also want to avoid jargon, slang, or acronyms that may confuse or alienate your audience. By being clear and concise, you can ensure that your message is received, understood, and acted upon.

5 Use appropriate channels

Depending on the purpose, urgency, and sensitivity of your communication, you may need to use different channels. For example, you may use email, phone, or video calls for routine updates, inquiries, or confirmations. You may use face-to-face meetings, webinars, or presentations for complex discussions, negotiations, or collaborations. You may use letters, reports, or contracts for formal documentation, verification, or authorization. By using appropriate channels, you can optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of your communication.

6 Follow up and follow through

Communication does not end when you deliver your message. You also need to follow up and follow through. This means that you check for understanding, feedback, and action from your audience. You also keep them informed of any changes, progress, or outcomes. You also honor any commitments, obligations, or promises you made. By following up and follow through, you can build trust, accountability, and relationships.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?