To plan, acquire, and provide health services in a way that effectively and efficiently serves the needs of the population, skilled commissioning is essential. Commissioning includes determining a community’s health needs, creating service specifications, negotiating agreements, and maintaining the provision of services. This calculated strategy contributes to value for money, better patient outcomes, and upholding exacting standards of care. In addition, commissioners play a critical role in healthcare services innovation and adaptation by facilitating the introduction of new technological advancements that improve patient care.
PCC has worked with and provided training for commissioners for several years and I have put together my top tips for improving commissioning abilities.
1: Develop a strong self-awareness
Self-awareness can boost confidence and improve our ability to make effective decisions. Being aware of your weaknesses can help you create strategies to overcome them and reduce risks. Using your strengths can provide you confidence and leverage.
2: Increase your critical thinking
It is important to challenge assumptions, use objective information analysis, and assess arguments rationally in order to improve critical thinking skills. Developing these skills can enhance your capacity for making decisions and solving problems.
3: Work on assertiveness
Challenging conversations and situations may require assertiveness. Being assertive involves expressing your ideas, feelings, and rights in a way that does not infringe those of others. We can assess and further develop our assertiveness skills through self-evaluation and feedback from others.
Growing your commissioning abilities is one of the workshops PCC offers. See our event calendar for more details.
Barrie Sample, personal and team development trainer, PCC.
Last Updated on 2 April 2024
