Mumbai Civic Body to Enhance Communication Skills of Maternity Hospital Staff
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai, India, has taken an important step towards improving communication between medical personnel and pregnant or lactating women in its maternity hospitals. The civic body has collaborated with the BMC’s public health department and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to provide training in ‘soft interactive skills’ for healthcare workers.
Recently, the first training session on ‘Behaviour Change Communication’ was conducted by TISS, benefiting 42 employees. As part of this initiative, a total of 58 sessions will be organized at various BMC maternity hospitals until August. To ensure maximum participation, the workshops will be conducted at the maternity hospitals and clinics themselves, as these healthcare facilities serve as the primary point of contact for beneficiaries.
The significance of effectively communicating with pregnant and lactating women cannot be overstated, as healthcare workers hold the responsibility of building trust and establishing rapport with their patients. With approximately 17,000 deliveries, 8,600 surgeries, and 528,000 outpatient examinations performed annually in the 30 civic maternity homes, it becomes essential to develop the ‘soft skills’ of the staff. These skills will enable them to display empathetic and inclusive attitudes towards their patients.
Dr. Sudhakar Shinde, Additional Municipal Commissioner, acknowledged the criticality of the first impression that healthcare workers give to patients, stating, There is a constant need to develop the ‘soft skills’ of staff to ensure empathic and inclusive attitudes.
The objective of this initiative is to enhance communication between healthcare workers and pregnant or lactating women, thereby improving the overall experience and satisfaction of these beneficiaries. By focusing on behavior change communication, the training sessions aim to equip medical personnel with the necessary skills to effectively interact with their patients.
It is noteworthy that the BMC has taken this proactive step to invest in the training and development of its healthcare staff. By partnering with TISS, a renowned institute known for its expertise in social sciences, the civic body is displaying its commitment to enhancing the quality of care provided in its maternity hospitals.
The move is expected to have a positive impact on the maternity healthcare services in Mumbai. By focusing on improving communication skills, healthcare workers will be better equipped to understand and address the needs, concerns, and preferences of pregnant and lactating women. This, in turn, is likely to build trust, foster a supportive environment, and encourage more women to seek the necessary healthcare services during and post-pregnancy.
Ensuring effective communication between medical personnel and patients is a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery. By imparting the necessary soft interactive skills to the staff of 30 civic maternity hospitals, the BMC is taking an important step towards fostering a patient-centric approach. As the training sessions continue throughout the coming months, it is expected that these efforts will result in improved experiences and outcomes for pregnant and lactating women in Mumbai.
With the ongoing collaboration between the BMC, TISS, and the public health department, it is evident that Mumbai is actively working towards strengthening its healthcare system and addressing the needs of its population. Through initiatives like these, the city aims to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to all its residents and set an example for other regions to follow.
