Conference Q&A: ‘The Art of Communication in CDI’
Editor’s Note: Over the coming days and weeks, we will post a series of Q&As with presenters and participants from the 2012 ACDIS Conference in San Diego. The first in this series features Colleen Stukenberg, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CCDS, whose presentation “The Art of Communication in CDI and Beyond,” will take place on Thursday, May 10, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Q: What core communication competencies should CDI professionals come to the role with?
A: While there are three main aspects I will address at the conference, I will add that professionalism, honesty, and respect for yourself and others are important traits for those working in the CDI role. These qualities will carry you far in life. If you do not have these in the CDI role, it can be difficult to communicate with others and earn their respect. You are working with other professionals with advanced education and they need to know that you are trustworthy and respectful. (You need to attend the session to hear my top three, though.)
Q: What communication talents can a CDI manager expect to be inherent and what elements can a manager help to instill in CDI team members?
Some characteristics are innate, meaning people are just born with certain talents. When interviewing a new CDI staff person, you only have a limited time to know whether this individual will be the right fit for the role. The person may act nervous in the interview but you should take note to observe how he/she interacts with you. Then have a team interview to see how he/she interacts with the team. You want someone that not only says he/she is a team player but also demonstrates it, as this is a team-player role. The CDI specialist will need to be able to interact clearly, honestly, and positively with various roles including physicians, nurses, and coders. Furthermore, the CDI specialist will need to be able to portray a professional positive attitude in meetings that may include administrative or board meetings.
Q: Can you name two or three common communication missteps that CDI professionals should be aware of?
A: Thinking too narrowly, thinking there is only one right answer, or thinking that the CDI specialist already “knows” the job. Education should never stop. We can learn from the expert and the novice. While we all have various roles, we ultimately are there to help improve patient care by promoting accurate documentation of the patient’s true clinical picture.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about this year’s ACDIS conference?
This is the first time I am speaking at the ACDIS conference and I am very excited. Attending the various sessions, activities, and networking with colleagues and the exhibitors are definitely on my agenda. I am also looking forward to seeing all of the friends and acquaintances I have met over the past few years through ACDIS.