Mandatory training for staff to make hospitals patient-friendly

Staff in public hospitals in the state will undergo mandatory training in communication skills and people management to make hospitals more patient-friendly and welcoming.

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said that training will be provided to all staff, except doctors, from taluk hospitals to medical colleges. The Minister said he has instructed the Principal Secretary (Health) to take up the matter and follow up.

He explained that the decision to make social skills training mandatory for hospital staff was made in response to numerous complaints from patients and visitors about poor behavior by hospital staff, communication breakdowns and inadequate interactions with the public.

The training will cover all employees of government medical college hospitals, district hospitals, general hospitals, women and children’s hospitals and taluk hospitals.

In order to train employees in medical faculties, four officials from state medical faculties in each district will be determined and special training will be given to them to become instructors. This will be accomplished through the Apex Trauma and Emergency Learning Center.

Expert trainers who complete this training will then provide institutional level training in relevant medical faculties.

The State Institute of Health and Family Welfare will be responsible for providing training to elected officials from district, general, taluk and other public hospitals under DHS. These master trainers will organize training programs at both district and corporate levels.

In order not to affect the functioning of hospitals, it was recommended that the 10-day training program be carried out in groups of 10. Mr. Muraleedharan directed all employees to complete the training within two months.

Special training will be given to security personnel, who are the first point of contact for patients and visitors in hospitals. All security personnel, including temporary or contract employees, will be required to undergo training.