How HIPAA compliant email benefits interdepartmental coordination

A study published in the American Journal of Medical Quality notes, “Communication is at the center of an effective collaborative program, and a key focus of the program design was on the timing and methods of communication.” Clear communication channels are a foundational aspect of information sharing among healthcare organizations of all sizes. When these pathways are well-defined and easily accessible (like HIPAA compliant email) there is a clear flow between clinical and administrative teams. The function serves to streamline operations necessary to tackle the larger challenges the sector is faced with. 

The importance of interdepartmental coordination 

When departments work cohesively, they can streamline the communication necessary to provide consistent care to patients. Research shows that interdisciplinary cooperation leads to better health outcomes including lower hospitalization rates. Ineffective interdepartmental coordination alternatively leads to fragmented patient care and medical management that diminishes the organization's efficiency as a whole. 

Related: The importance of training healthcare staff in email best practices

How HIPAA compliant email benefits interdepartmental coordination

HIPAA compliant email platforms like Paubox have the benefit of seamlessly integrating into existing email systems, allowing healthcare providers to send secure emails from familiar interfaces, like Google Workspace or Microsoft Outlook. The ease of use encourages adoption among staff making it that much easier to implement additional policies and procedures tailored to promoting consistent communication between departments. 

The security offered by the platform also assures staff that any information sent remains completely secure. In cases where treatment information is sent to administrative departments like accounting, transmission remains secure. This overall convenience makes it easier for conversations to take place without the need for in-person or teleconference meetings. 

Indicators of effective interdepartmental coordination 

1. High open rates indicate that the subject lines and content are engaging and relevant to staff. Training staff on how to craft to-the-point conversations and mark them as urgent only when necessary. 
2. Quick replies are indicative of the efficacy of coordination policies, showing that information is quickly acted on. 
3. Paubox allows for forms to be sent quickly and easily. Sending these forms to staff provides feedback on whether coordination efforts are well received and relevant to their needs. 
4. Any good policy or procedure starts with predefined goals. For interdepartmental coordination these goals could include sharing updates or coordinating schedules and once met they reveal effective policies. 

Related: Email metrics for effective healthcare email marketing campaigns

FAQs

What is the function of CC and BCC in internal communication efficacy? 

Carbon Copy promotes transparency by allowing all recipients to see who else received the email while Blind Carbon Copy protects recipient privacy by concealing their identities from each other. 

What shows active email participation by staff? 

Engagement levels in discussion and consistent involvement in relevant email threats are prime indicators of active participation.

What are signs of increased collaboration in smaller healthcare practices?

Signs of increased collaboration in smaller healthcare practices include more frequent joint meetings or initiatives among departments.