As a quality director in the medical field,how can I compose an office for occupational health in a hospital?

Question

It is a tropical country underdeveloped,and the facility is a teaching hospital.

Answer 1

I'm not sure if you are talking about an administration office, or an actual "hands on patient room". I will answer with the administrative office in mind. I am sure that you could apply the philosophy if it is the hands on room.

The personal comfort zone for residents in that type of culture is closer than the comfort zone for Americans. You probably notice that they sit and talk closer than we do. Also, you will probably notice that they seem a little humble when talking with an authority figure. You perhaps even notice that they tend to touch each other alot.

Americans like to have wide open space that gives them a sense of power. With the American, if you shove your desk against the wall, give them more space, the American will talk more openely. Alternatively, if you shove your desk closer to the door and use it to create a barrier, the American will feel powerless and intimidated.

With the culture you are in, your patients or students (or clients, or whatever title you chose) will be intimdated by an authority figure more so than Americans. That culture needs to feel more intimate, and on the same level. Shove things closer together to help create that feeling. Being that it is a teaching hospital, make sure that the authority figure can be positioned at an angle to provide direct eye contact with patient or student so as to keep that "bosses eye is on you" aspect. Those two steps combined will help give the authority vs. openess the right mixture.

If I am wrong, then I apoloze upfront. It is what I've learned from my communication and management training.

Good luck.