Hospitals generally focus on patient outcomes as a measure of a doctor’s success (or failure). While that’s an important component of a physician’s performance, patient outcomes are only part of what makes a doctor “good.” Doctors must also possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as the ability to manage relationships. A 360 degree evaluation gives doctors feedback on their clinical and interpersonal skills.

Research shows that when physicians receive feedback about their clinical and interpersonal skills, they set about working to improve those skills. For example, if they have very strong clinical abilities but they aren’t “people” people, knowing which areas they need to develop helps them enhance their interpersonal skills. Once they know that, and they’re given tips as to how to fix the problem, they can become more empathetic. As a result, their peers and patients feel better about dealing with them.

In addition to greater empathy, enhanced interpersonal skills leads to more effective communication. When you show people you treat them with respect and courtesy, they want to listen to you. And that means that instructions are followed. In turn, patient outcomes should improve because no one is confused about the care they should be receiving.

When hospital administrators are aware of the signs of poor interpersonal skills, they can develop a strategy to correct those behaviors. It becomes easy to identify weak interpersonal skills, and with a program in place, the physicians can get the training they need to become more empathetic as well as better communicators.

Is your hospital considering implementing 360 degree evaluations? Contact Grapevine Evaluations today at 1-866-386-2163. Our web-based 360 degree evaluation software is easy to use and customizable. Managers can receive feedback in real time.