
Diplomacy is an important skill to exercise in medical offices, especially during the peer review process. This process involves evaluating the quality of care provided by physicians, including pre-admission decisions and in-house care. To avoid creating animosity among physicians, it is essential to handle these situations with diplomacy. The level of diplomacy required may depend on the physician's relationship with the hospital and the severity of the concerns. In some cases, a friendly letter outlining the peer review committee's concerns may be sufficient, while more serious issues may require a formal response and legal advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Medical diplomacy is a form of diplomatic relations intended to foster positive relations between nations while providing needed health services. |
| Purpose | To ease tensions between nations and improve the sending nation's image. |
| Examples | Cuba's early public diplomacy efforts, Taiwan's medical aid to its diplomatic allies, and the US's PEPFAR initiative. |
| Tools | Health attachés, education, commerce, and other soft power capabilities. |
| Benefits | Improved global relations, better health outcomes, and a positive image for the sending nation. |
| Challenges | Enduring difficult conditions, coordinating large teams, and effective communication between nations. |
| Participants | Doctors, volunteers, trainers, builders, educators, and other medical personnel. |
| Scope | Short-term missions during emergencies and long-term efforts for lasting impact. |
| Approach | Providing medical training, facilities, surgeries, medications, vaccines, and preventative healthcare programs. |
| Goal | Winning hearts and minds through compassion and care, improving brain health, and advancing global health. |
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What You'll Learn

The peer review process: how to handle pre-admission records
The peer review process is a fundamental aspect of modern scientific paper publishing, ensuring that only legitimate, high-quality research is published. The process is rigorous and time-consuming, and can be broadly summarised into 10 steps, although these steps can vary slightly between journals.
Firstly, the corresponding or submitting author submits the paper to the journal, usually via an online system. The Editorial Office then checks that the paper adheres to the requirements described in the journal's Author Guidelines. The Editor-in-Chief (EiC) or handling editor then assesses the paper, considering its scope, originality and merits, and may reject it at this stage. If the paper passes this initial screening, the handling editor sends invitations to individuals they believe would be appropriate reviewers. Journals should have a publicly described policy for appealing against editorial decisions, and authors have the right to appeal if they feel the decision was based on an unfair assessment.
For most journals, peer review is a single-blind assessment, meaning the author does not know the identity of the reviewer. Some journals operate a double-blind peer review, where the reviewer is also unaware of the author's identity. The reviewer will assess the argument's construction, the clarity of the language, and the content, asking themselves whether the research is relevant and interesting, and how original the topic is. They will also look out for any major presentational problems, and ensure that the manuscript structure, language, figures and tables are clear and meet ethical standards.
Once the reviewer has provided their report, the handling editor considers all the returned reviews before making a decision. If the reviews differ widely, an additional reviewer may be invited to provide an extra opinion. The editor then sends a decision email to the author, including any relevant reviewer comments. If the article is rejected or sent back for revisions, the handling editor should include constructive comments to help the author improve the article.
Authors can ensure their manuscripts pass through the review process by performing important pre-submission checks. These include checking for plagiarism, ensuring the manuscript is well-prepared and includes all necessary elements, and that the English is of sufficient quality. Authors can also use tools like R Pubsure to receive an in-depth review of their paper before submission, helping to accelerate the publishing process.
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The importance of maintaining a good relationship with physicians
Maintaining a good relationship with physicians is paramount to an individual's health. The dynamic between physicians and patients is a foundation of clinical care and can have profound positive and negative implications on clinical care. The overarching goal of the physician-patient relationship is to improve patient health outcomes and their medical care.
Physicians are aware that poor communication is the number one contributing factor to patient mistrust. The approach taken by physicians to communicate information is equally important as the actual information that is being communicated. Effective physician-patient communication has been shown to positively influence health outcomes by increasing patient satisfaction, leading to greater patient understanding of health problems and treatments available, contributing to better adherence to treatment plans, and providing support and reassurance to patients.
To build a strong relationship with patients, physicians should focus on five C's, as suggested by Dr. Rich Baron, president, and CEO of the American Board of Internal Medicine and ABIM Foundation: Caring, Comfort, Competency, Communication, and Cost. Physicians should also focus on building trust with patients, which can be done by being honest and disclosing one's internal experience to establish a connection.
Physicians should also respect patients, be curious about their cases, listen to them, and acknowledge their authority over their health by approaching patient encounters with humility. This awareness has enabled connections with patients.
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How to address problems without creating animosity
Addressing problems in a medical office without creating animosity requires a thoughtful and considerate approach. Here are some strategies to achieve this:
Firstly, it is important to foster an environment where employees feel empowered to address conflicts on their own. However, they should also know when and how to bring unresolved issues to their managers. Establishing clear guidelines for conflict resolution is essential. These guidelines should include steps to follow when reporting a conflict, actions to take, and strategies to prevent recurrence. Managers should also define acceptable behaviour and ensure that employees understand what behaviours will not be tolerated. Encouraging sympathy and empathy among staff is crucial, but it is equally important to discourage meddling and gossip.
Secondly, when addressing performance problems, managers should hold employees accountable for their work without disclosing specific measures taken to address low performance. This can be done by making generic comments or restructuring work responsibilities to better suit an employee's strengths.
Thirdly, when dealing with difficult patients, it is essential to remain calm, empathetic, and professional. Start by acknowledging the patient's frustration and apologising for any inconvenience. Then, explain the steps your team is taking to resolve the issue. Try to identify the root cause of the problem and address it directly. For example, if there is an issue with insurance paperwork, contact the insurance company or seek clarification from colleagues. Language barriers can also contribute to challenging patient interactions, so consider hiring an interpreter to ensure clear communication and understanding.
Finally, after resolving a patient's issue, take the initiative to repair the relationship. Contact them after a reasonable period to ensure their problem has been adequately addressed, and ask for feedback to improve communication, attentiveness, and problem-solving skills. By following these steps, medical offices can address problems while maintaining a positive and respectful environment.
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When to send a letter of concern vs. a courtesy letter
Letters are an essential tool for communication in medical offices. They can be used to address a range of issues, from minor concerns to more serious violations. When deciding whether to send a letter of concern or a courtesy letter, it is important to consider the nature of the issue and the desired outcome.
A letter of concern is typically sent by a manager or someone from human resources to an employee to address recent performance, behaviour, or actions that have deviated from an organization's policies. It serves as a formal warning and provides an opportunity for the employee to make changes without facing immediate consequences. A letter of concern is appropriate when the issue is serious enough to require documentation but does not yet warrant more severe disciplinary action. It is a way to bring an employee back on track and reaffirm the organization's commitment to its moral principles.
On the other hand, a courtesy letter is typically sent as a reminder or a gentle warning. It may be used to address a minor issue or concern that does not meet the threshold of regulatory significance. Courtesy letters can also be sent to express appreciation or to provide information. They are often used to maintain positive relationships and open communication between parties.
When deciding between sending a letter of concern vs. a courtesy letter, consider the severity of the issue. If the matter involves a breach of ethical standards, financial misconduct, or consistent underperformance, a letter of concern is more appropriate. This type of letter clearly outlines the areas of concern and the potential consequences of non-compliance. It is a formal tool that can be used as evidence in disciplinary procedures or contract termination.
On the other hand, a courtesy letter may be more suitable for addressing minor issues or concerns that do not require immediate attention. For example, a courtesy letter could be sent to remind employees about upcoming training or to provide feedback on an area of improvement. Courtesy letters can also be used to acknowledge achievements or to thank someone for their contributions. They help to maintain a positive and respectful tone in the workplace.
In summary, the key difference between a letter of concern and a courtesy letter lies in the nature of the issue being addressed and the desired outcome. A letter of concern is used for more serious matters that require immediate attention and have potential consequences, while a courtesy letter is used for less severe issues or to maintain positive relationships. Both types of letters play an important role in effective communication and conflict resolution in medical offices.
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How to handle serious concerns, such as major errors
Handling serious concerns, such as major errors, in a medical office requires tact and diplomacy to ensure effective communication and maintain relationships. Here are some strategies to navigate such situations:
Firstly, it is crucial to focus on the desired outcome. Before initiating a difficult conversation, clarify your goals and the ideal resolution. Write down your thoughts and consider the facts, setting aside personal opinions. Anticipate potential objections and prepare thoughtful responses, demonstrating that you have considered the other party's perspective. This preparation will help you stay calm, open-minded, and better equipped to handle the situation assertively.
Secondly, choose an appropriate time and place for the conversation. Ensure privacy and avoid distractions to give the issue the attention it deserves. Start the conversation calmly and respectfully, creating a safe space for open dialogue. Listen actively to understand the other person's perspective, addressing their concerns and feelings. Show empathy and acknowledge the seriousness of the matter.
Thirdly, provide constructive feedback or criticism in a sensitive manner. When addressing major errors, focus on specific actions or incidents rather than making personal attacks. Use "I" statements to express your perspective without sounding accusatory. For example, say, "I noticed that the medication dosage was incorrect, which could have led to serious consequences," instead of, "You made a mistake with the dosage." This approach helps maintain a respectful tone.
Additionally, offer solutions or suggestions for improvement collaboratively. Involve the other party in finding a resolution, which fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to change. Be open to their ideas and feedback, creating a collaborative environment to move forward. It is essential to maintain professionalism and a non-judgmental attitude throughout the process.
Remember, diplomacy in medical offices is about effective communication, mutual respect, and finding solutions that benefit all parties involved. By handling serious concerns with tact and diplomacy, you can preserve relationships, ensure patient safety, and create a positive work environment.
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Frequently asked questions
In this case, a diplomatic approach would be to send a letter with a friendly tone, rather than a standard notification. This letter can express the peer review committee's concerns without requiring any action from the physician, which leaves less room for complaint.
If the physician is tied to the hospital, it is important to allow them to include a response to any concerns. This is especially true for more serious issues, such as major errors or a pattern of questionable care. A department chair may need to get involved and recommend a remedy.
Pre-admission records can be a sensitive topic. To maintain diplomacy, it is important to clarify the hospital's policy on pre-admission care in the peer review process. This can help to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts.

























