This article is part of our Training Requirement Series where we provide comprehensive guides to meet the actual training requirements that are often needed/requested of learning and development departments within Australia's healthcare organisations. This series includes both general requirements, such as performance management, but also focuses on the specific requirements stemming from the NDIS, Aged Care and NSQHS Quality Standards.
What is "Performance Management"?
Performance management in healthcare is a comprehensive and ongoing process. It involves aligning the efforts of healthcare workers with the goals and mission of the organisation. Key components include goal setting, performance appraisal, development planning, and performance improvement. This approach facilitates a high standard of patient care and organisational efficiency by ensuring that employees are not only accountable but also supported in their professional growth and development.
Why is Performance Management in Healthcare Important?
The significance of performance management in healthcare cannot be overstated. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring quality care, patient safety, and effective resource management. Listed below are the primary reasons for its importance:
- Enhances Patient Care: Ensuring healthcare professionals are competent and efficient directly impacts the quality of patient care.
- Improves Organisational Efficiency: By aligning individual performance with organisational goals, it drives overall efficiency.
- Promotes Professional Development: Offers a structured pathway for healthcare professionals to grow and develop in their roles.
- Ensures Compliance: Helps in adhering to healthcare standards and regulations, thereby maintaining the integrity of healthcare services.
What is the "Performance Management" Training Requirement?
Performance management is a key aspect within healthcare which requires many skills and strategies to reinforce development. It is also a key element to Australian healthcare requirements, particularly NSQHS action 1.22.
Relevant Standards
Performance review processes are implemented for clinicians and other workforce members to:
- Require healthcare staff to regularly take part in a review of their performance
- Identify needs for training and development in safety and quality
- Incorporate information on training requirements into the organisation’s training system
National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards
Failure to comply with the requirements could lead to an organisation being penalised or reprimanded.
What Skills Do Staff Need for Performance Management?
For successful performance management, healthcare staff need a diverse skill set. These skills are crucial for effectively managing and improving performance within the healthcare setting:
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication skills | Ability to clearly convey expectations, feedback, and progress. |
| Feedback | Providing constructive, clear, and motivational feedback to colleagues. |
| Problem-solving | Identifying issues and developing effective solutions. |
| Conflict resolution | Handling disputes and disagreements in a positive manner. |
| Analytical skills | Interpreting performance data to make informed decisions. |
| Goal setting | Establishing achievable and measurable objectives. |
How to Assess Staff Competency in Performance Management
To ensure that staff competencies align with performance management objectives, healthcare organisations can utilise various assessment methods. These include:
- 360-degree Feedback: Collecting feedback from a wide range of sources, including peers, supervisors, and subordinates.
- Performance Appraisals: Formal review of an employee's job performance and overall contribution to the organisation.
- Self-assessment Tools: Encouraging individuals to evaluate their own performance and identify areas for improvement.
Strategies to Support Healthcare Staff Develop Skills in Performance Management
Developing skills in performance management requires a strategic approach. Healthcare organisations can adopt the following strategies:
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing less experienced staff with experienced mentors for guidance and support.
- Regular Training Workshops: Organising workshops focused on key performance management skills.
- On-the-Job Training: Providing practical, hands-on experiences in real-world scenarios.
- Performance Coaching: Individualised coaching sessions to address specific performance management skills.
Sample Training Plan for the Performance Management Requirement
A structured training plan is essential for developing performance management skills.
Using the above needs assessment survey as an example - The skill requiring the most attention for effective performance management is providing and receiving feedback skills. We can target learning initiatives to fill these gaps to enhance staff competency.
| Quarter | Topics | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Feedback |
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Staff Competency Assessment for Performance Management - Example
Consider the following survey questions to evaluate staffs performance management skills:
Staff Survey - Performance Management Competency
-
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your ability to set and achieve realistic performance goals?
- [Answer here]
-
Describe a recent instance where you provided feedback. What approach did you use and what was the outcome?
- [Answer here]
-
Can you provide an example of how you resolved a conflict that arose during a performance discussion?
- [Answer here]
-
How do you utilise performance data to make informed decisions about your team's work?
- [Answer here]
Conclusion
Performance management in healthcare is essential for maintaining high standards of patient care and ensuring organisational efficiency. A robust training program, as required by the NSQHS Standards, equips healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to excel in performance management. Such training fosters a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional development within the healthcare sector.
References
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2023. 'Clinical Governance Standard'
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2023. 'NSQHS Action 1.22'
