Cross-training between departments is an excellent way for professionals to increase skills and provide consistent client care. Support staff also benefit from cross-training. According to BMJ Open, “Training non-specialist workers in mental healthcare is an effective strategy to increase [. . .] knowledge, attitude, skill and confidence among health workers.” Continuing education and training empowers staff to develop additional areas of expertise. Driftwood Recovery encourages clinicians and support staff to cross-train if they have a passion and interest in more than one role within the program.
Increasing Skills and Maintaining Consistency in Client Care
The client-clinician relationship impacts each step of the recovery process. Many clients move through a continuum of care to ensure they receive the most appropriate level of support through every stage of treatment. According to BMC Health, “[P]rovider factors (e.g., provider training, experience, communication or collaboration practices) or broader service setting or context factors (e.g., differences in organizational culture or practices between care settings, existence of transition practices or processes, laws or funding, regional location) are all known to influence” transitions between levels of care.
Providing clients with a consistent treatment experience does the following:
- Increases client trust in the care team and the recovery process
- Reinforces positive lifestyle changes and healthy behaviors
- Addresses complex needs of clients with co-occurring conditions
- Ensures the continued safety and well-being of clients as they move through various stages of treatment
Consistency in healthcare also improves treatment outcomes by reducing the risk of complications or setbacks. Driftwood Recovery ensures all staff members have the necessary training to provide appropriate care.
How Do People Increase Skills By Cross-Training?
Cross-training is a valuable tool for clinicians and support staff. According to Pharmacy, “Previous research [. . .] demonstrated that cross-training enhances teamwork and interpersonal collaboration.” In addition, “Research has shown that cross-training significantly improves overall teamwork, by enhancing interpersonal collaboration and communication.” Healthcare professionals work in a highly stressful environment and provide life-changing treatment to clients struggling with addiction or mental health disorders. Learning new skills ensures better treatment outcomes.
A few ways staff build new skills during cross-training include:
- Watching coworkers use their knowledge to treat and support clients
- Hands-on experience, working beside experienced staff
- Evaluations and constructive feedback
- Collaborating with coworkers on cases or projects
- Participating in simulated scenarios or case studies
Gaining new skills or building on old ones helps staff feel more comfortable expanding their support role within the program. Often, in cross-training, a mentor-mentee relationship develops. The additional support can increase self-efficacy and boost confidence.
Increase Skills and Make Professional Connections
Collaboration between healthcare professionals is vital to client care. Cross-training allows staff to make new professional connections and develop essential skills for addressing specific client needs.
Building skills and networking provides staff with the following:
- Access to individuals with specialized training and knowledge
- Additional support for complex clients and cases
- Effective and practical techniques for managing client care
Driftwood Recovery supports and empowers staff by giving them the space and tools to expand their skills. Some clients may have complex cases. Knowledge of multiple areas of expertise ensures staff members provide holistic care and additional support to clients with more severe or persistent symptoms.
How Does Driftwood Recovery Encourage Clinicians to Build Skills?
Driftwood Recovery encourages clinicians and support staff to build essential skills and take on new roles as they grow within the program. Teamwork is an integral part of the culture at Driftwood Recovery. Everyone works together to uplift and empower one another. Staff meet together daily and have an opportunity to discuss their interest in learning new skills or techniques.
Clinicians and support staff increase skills by doing the following:
- Asking to shadow a coworker or manager in a different department
- Requesting on-the-job training or continuing education
- Working in new positions within the facility
Healthcare workers are at high risk of emotional and physical burnout. Sometimes, switching up day-to-day tasks and roles can reduce the risk of burnout by renewing a person’s focus. Transparency, teamwork, and honesty are essential values at Driftwood Recovery. Staff are supported when they speak up and express a desire to pursue new areas of interest.
Daily Meetings and Continuing Education
Clinicians and support staff at Driftwood Recovery check in with each other to determine if there are any gaps in treatment services. Continuing education and cross-training are encouraged to help staff expand their knowledge or move into new roles within the program.
Staff members utilize the skills they learn in cross-training to do the following:
- Ensure clients receive accurate diagnosis and treatment
- Provide more effective and tailored client care
- Create a more collaborative team environment
- Communicate more effectively with clients and staff
- Develop practical and appropriate aftercare plans
Daily meetings ensure support staff, clinicians, and management remain on the same page and understand when additional education or training might be beneficial.
Cross-training is an excellent way to improve communication between coworkers, learn new skills, and create a more consistent treatment experience for clients. Cross-training also allows support staff to make new connections and transition to different roles. The many benefits of cross-training make it important for healthcare professionals to identify skills they may benefit from learning. Cross-training is often combined with continuing education to create well-rounded staff who can fill different roles as needed to ensure consistent client care. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to take advantage of cross-training. Clients and coworkers benefit when people choose to work as an integrative team. To learn more about our facility and services, call us at (512) 759-8330.