Transform Your Health Care Team with 5-Minute Communication Exercises

In the fast-paced world of clinical care, dedicating time to playful activities may feel unproductive. However, adopting a broader perspective and envisioning long-term benefits reveals the immense value of these practices. Imagine a “communication gym” where experiential activities replace physical fitness machines to build a robust set of communication skills. With minimal preparation and regular five-minute sessions, these exercises can improve team interactions, reduce stress, and create healthier workplace dynamics.

Understanding the Vision for Your Health Care Team

The Medical Improv Toolkit offers a structured yet flexible way to strengthen communication skills. Here’s why this approach works:

• Psychological Safety and Levity: Activities are designed to be enjoyable and non-threatening.
• Freedom from Clinical Pressures: There’s no need to perform clinically during these sessions.
• Customized Growth: Participants progress at their own pace, fostering natural development.
• Real-World Application: Skills learned through these activities seamlessly transition to everyday work scenarios.
• Ongoing Practice: Over time, these exercises evolve into routine behaviors, ensuring long-lasting benefits.

These activities can be seamlessly integrated into existing frameworks like clinical in-services, team meetings, grand rounds, orientation sessions, or retreats. Once participants grow comfortable with the exercises, even brief moments of practice can enhance any gathering.

Addressing Common Challenges in Health Care Team

Every innovation faces hurdles. Here’s how the Medical Improv Toolkit addresses challenges specific to health care teams:

1. Limited Time and Resources

This approach requires minimal investment. By leveraging existing resources, you can foster teamwork and minimize disruptions caused by conflicts or power struggles. Imagine fewer disputes and more productive collaborations!

2. Diverse Team Strengths and Needs

Each activity caters to various social and emotional learning goals. For example, in a paired exercise, one participant might practice speaking confidently while their partner hones listening skills. These dual benefits strengthen interprofessional relationships and build cohesive teams.

3. Ineffective Traditional Teaching Methods

Unlike lectures or readings, experiential activities actively engage participants. If you already use clinical simulations, you’ll appreciate how improv techniques add depth to emotional and interpersonal learning.

4. Emotional Risks of Growth

New behaviors can feel intimidating, yet the toolkit minimizes emotional risks through its supportive, peer-based, and fun environment. These exercises build confidence and encourage safe experimentation with new communication strategies.

5. Toxic Workplace Cultures

In environments plagued by bullying or blame, these activities promote healthier interactions. While not an instant solution, regular practice establishes positive norms, paving the way for cultural transformation.

6. Initial Awkwardness

Starting something new can feel uncomfortable — just like your first injection or clinical decision. However, with consistent practice, these exercises become second nature. Moreover, leaders empathize with their teams’ challenges, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

Integrating Communication Exercises into Health Care Teams

With just a few minutes a week, month, or quarter, the Medical Improv Toolkit can initiate meaningful change. Whether led by a single team champion or implemented as part of a broader initiative, these activities create ripple effects of positive transformation.

Remember, the benefits far outweigh the initial awkwardness. Improved communication skills lead to safer care, healthier workplaces, and more rewarding careers — for everyone involved.

Beth Boynton is a nurse consultant and author of The Medical Improv Toolkit: 10 Simple Activities to Promote Safe Care, Healthy Workplaces, & Rewarding Careers!