Introduction Communication is paramount to accomplishing goal. And yet, effective communication has become an elusive concept in many health care industries. Unluturk (2012) writes effective communication is the single most important aspect of leadership skill. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines communication as that act of sending and receiving information using “sounds, signs, or behaviors.” Communication must be clear, concise and outcome oriented. Moreover, in nursing communication about patient centered care, patient safety, and organizational mission must be relayed without ambiguity and confusion. Thus in this gap analysis, lack of effective communication has been identified as an area requiring improvement in the selected organization. The goal of gap analysis is to improve and streamline communication within the organization as well as with the community and associations. Gap Analysis Effective Communication Leaders with effective communication skill have the ability to mobilize the workforce and accomplish desired goal.
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In today’s market where technology is dominant it is important to embrace and use the advanced technological methods to the desired effect. However, it is equally important to make sure that employee and customers feel significant and cared for. UNICEF (2008) cites three areas of communication strategies that need to be addressed in order for communication to be effective. These are: advocacy, social mobilization and behavior change communication. Each of the areas addresses leadership’s intent within the communication strategy. Advocacy refers to the intent to motivate employee and create an environment of support to achieve goal. In social mobilization, leadership is looking to mobilize the community, key shareholders and other markets to change and move toward goal. The third component, behavior change communication comprises of in person communication with employee, community and market shareholders to promote change in behavior and maintain the desired change. In the identified health care organization, lack of consistent and flawless communication is evident by the fact that employee are often unaware of changes occurring within the organization as well as the multiple layering of roles within the organization, creating feelings of confusion and frustration by employees, customers and associates. For example, recently a customer called enquiring about a phone call she received from one of the case managers from the health care. However the customer only had first name and no phone number. When further investigated, the customer divulged that she also has a nurse practitioner who does home visit monthly, so the customer was confused about the nature of the call from the case manager. The fact that the customer was not provided clearly with the reason of the call or left with a valid phone number resulted in the customer feeling frustrated. Similarly, lack of communication and clarity is identified between the health care organization and its affiliates. More often, associates voice frustration by not being able to reach appropriate case manager to discuss discharge planning timely. Thus it is imperative for the nurse leaders …show more content…
Next areas of gap will be identified where communication is not clear. That is communication strategy and plan between the nursing leadership and nurses as well as senior leadership and staff will be examined. Additionally, communication strategy of the health care organization to its affiliates and customers will also be studied and areas of flaw will be identified. After identifying areas of improvement then factors inducing communication barrier will be identified. Finally, an action plan will be proposed to improve communication within the organization as well as the community and
In today’s market where technology is dominant it is important to embrace and use the advanced technological methods to the desired effect. However, it is equally important to make sure that employee and customers feel significant and cared for. UNICEF (2008) cites three areas of communication strategies that need to be addressed in order for communication to be effective. These are: advocacy, social mobilization and behavior change communication. Each of the areas addresses leadership’s intent within the communication strategy. Advocacy refers to the intent to motivate employee and create an environment of support to achieve goal. In social mobilization, leadership is looking to mobilize the community, key shareholders and other markets to change and move toward goal. The third component, behavior change communication comprises of in person communication with employee, community and market shareholders to promote change in behavior and maintain the desired change. In the identified health care organization, lack of consistent and flawless communication is evident by the fact that employee are often unaware of changes occurring within the organization as well as the multiple layering of roles within the organization, creating feelings of confusion and frustration by employees, customers and associates. For example, recently a customer called enquiring about a phone call she received from one of the case managers from the health care. However the customer only had first name and no phone number. When further investigated, the customer divulged that she also has a nurse practitioner who does home visit monthly, so the customer was confused about the nature of the call from the case manager. The fact that the customer was not provided clearly with the reason of the call or left with a valid phone number resulted in the customer feeling frustrated. Similarly, lack of communication and clarity is identified between the health care organization and its affiliates. More often, associates voice frustration by not being able to reach appropriate case manager to discuss discharge planning timely. Thus it is imperative for the nurse leaders …show more content…
Next areas of gap will be identified where communication is not clear. That is communication strategy and plan between the nursing leadership and nurses as well as senior leadership and staff will be examined. Additionally, communication strategy of the health care organization to its affiliates and customers will also be studied and areas of flaw will be identified. After identifying areas of improvement then factors inducing communication barrier will be identified. Finally, an action plan will be proposed to improve communication within the organization as well as the community and