How Healthy Is Your Pharmacy Communication? 3 Ways To Get It Right

In the healthcare field, good communication is vital. Pharmacy managers say effective communication skills are among the most essential soft skills for pharmacy staff to have. It is impossible to provide the best care without good communication among pharmacy staff.

Here are a few ways to improve communication among your pharmacy staff.

1. Build relationships

To maintain effective communication, you need to have good relationships in the pharmacy. Forming those relationships starts at the top. The manager of the pharmacy needs to set a good example for their team.

And you need to make clear to your team the expectations you have for their behavior.

Setting an example means treating everyone with respect and building trust among your employees. It involves taking the time to listen to their problems and concerns and soliciting feedback from them about their jobs and any ideas they might have for improvements to the pharmacy’s operations.

2. Focus on teamwork

To build a collaborative effort among your workers, you need to first set clear goals for your team. Your workers need to have a solid understanding of their expectations.

You also need to encourage communication among your workers. And again, an effective way to do this is by setting a good example. If your workers see the value you place on communication; they are more likely to emphasize it themselves.

You also need to work to resolve conflicts among people in the team and create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable contributing and giving ideas.

3. Working with patients

The focus of your work is patient care, and to deliver that care effectively, you need to have good communication with patients. It begins with helping them understand their medication — what it does, why they’re taking it, how to take it, and how much to take.

Ways to improve communication with patients

Be brief and get right to the point. Use language that the patient will be able to understand. Give examples of what the patient needs to do rather than general instructions. Use visual aids such as pictures or diagrams.

1.Focus on the key points — try not to give more than three.

Ask the patients to explain what you’ve told them in their own words to see if they really understand the information.

2. Encourage the patients to ask questions.

3. Provide them with easy-to-read materials.

Build Your Team with Rx relief

Rx relief is certified by the Joint Commission and has received a Best in Staffing recognition awarded by healthcare organizations and pharmacists. Rx relief is one of the most well-respected recruiting firms dedicated to pharmacy. We give personalized attention to every one of the people we recruit. So, if your healthcare organization or company is looking for pharmacists, contact Rx relief today