By Ghay Marie Managase, Training Coordinator
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—On March 31, 2026, a total of 45 healthcare professionals and staff from the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) participated in an intensive full-day training focused on Effective Communication Skills. The decision was made based on the understanding that effective and compassionate communication is essential for delivering quality patient care.
Representatives from key departments, including Accounting, Housekeeping, the Laboratory, Oncology, and the Medical Social Service Department, convened at the NMMC OPD Function Hall. The Office for Lifelong Learning and Professional Development at the City College of Cagayan de Oro, in collaboration with the Professional Education, Training, and Research Unit (PETRU) of NMMC, successfully organized the event.
Dr. Joseph Chrysler L. Beja, MD, Chief Medical Training Officer and Head of PETRU, formally opened the session by emphasizing the critical role of communication in a hospital environment. He pointed out that communication breakdowns among staff can lead to delays. In the realm of patient care, experts emphasize that strong interpersonal skills are essential for ensuring effective coordination and achieving optimal health outcomes.
Ms. Crystal Sylvette Lavender P. Raro conducted the technical sessions, instructing participants on the fundamentals of engaging with professionals. Key discussions focused on overcoming prevalent communication challenges in healthcare, enhancing soft skills, and implementing the "6 Cs of Effective Communication."
The module focused on active listening, emphasizing the principle of "Don't listen to respond, but listen to understand," which emerged as a standout element of the session. Participants highlighted communication gaps and engaged in interactive paired exercises and role-playing, focusing on real hospital scenarios to demonstrate genuine empathy and provide their full attention to colleagues.
Discussions in the afternoon shifted focus to the influence of body language and nonverbal communication. Participants engaged in empathy mapping, a strategic tool designed to enhance healthcare teams' understanding of the feelings, thoughts, and actions of both patients and colleagues.
The program ensured that these communication methods adhered to the Code of Conduct and Ethical Principles for public servants. Staff members received a reminder emphasizing the importance of professionalism, responsiveness, fairness, and honesty in their daily interactions, as they serve as direct representatives of the broader public health system.
The training concluded with an exercise titled "Empathy in Action," prompting participants to engage in thoughtful reflection. In a concluding session, Training Specialist Marlou M. Moreno delivered the closing remarks, distributed certificates, and assisted the staff in drafting their Workplace Application Plans. The plans aim to ensure that the skills acquired during training are consistently applied, with a strong emphasis on addressing patient needs.
NMMC wants to create a culture of collaboration at work by investing in these core competencies. They believe that better strategic communication will lead to better professional relationships, better operational coordination, and, in the end, better patient care.