When overseeing a healthcare clinic, clinical managers are highly organized to keep the office running smoothly. This question evaluates the candidate's organizational skills and ability to ensure a smooth workflow throughout the day. What to look for in an answer:

• clear prioritization of tasks
• emphasis on communication with staff
• proactive identification of bottlenecks and quick-thinking solutions

A strict patient care protocol is fundamental to any healthcare facility. Asking this question allows you to assess the candidate's ability to adhere to patient care protocols and comply with regulations consistently. What to look for in an answer:

• use and implementation of evidence-based practices
• collaboration and communication with medical staff
• continuous review and adaptation of protocols based on industry changes

Compliance issues are important to address quickly when a problem is detected. In a healthcare setting, the team is dealing with sensitive documentation and patient information. Asking the candidate about how they manage compliance issues can ensure they are familiar with healthcare regulations and proactive management. What to look for in an answer:

• • quick identification and reporting strategies
  • documented steps on how to correct an issue

• implementation of preventive measures so mistakes are minimized

Team cohesion directly impacts patient care quality as the staff's behaviour and mood can affect their patients. A candidate with strong team-building skills can help maintain a positive company culture and ensure an enjoyable working environment for everyone. What to look for in an answer:

• approachable for staff and encourages open communication
• organizes team-building activities regularly
• recognizes and values individual contributions

Conflicts or disagreements between staff members can sometimes occur. Conflict-resolution skills are essential for a clinical manager to maintain a positive and calm work environment. Asking this question can help determine if the candidate has the necessary communication and conflict resolution skills to manage a healthcare team. What to look for in an answer:

• maintains an impartial approach and addresses issues fairly
• actively listens to all parties and mediates well
• focuses on resolution and learning

Ensuring patient safety is a top priority in the healthcare sector. A candidate who understands how to maintain patient safety can be an asset to any team. This question determines whether the candidate prioritizes patient safety, their record of patient safety and how they maintain high standards at the facility. What to look for in an answer:

• implementation of and adherence to safety protocols
• regular staff training to review safety practices and address any issues
• encouragement of incident reporting and transparency

Staffing shortages can occur from time to time and managers need to be prepared. Clinical managers ideally have a backup plan should a staffing shortage occur, to avoid disrupting patient appointments. This question looks at the candidate's adaptability and crisis-management skills, and how they operate under pressure. What to look for in an answer:

• quick thinking and problem-solving skills
• delegation of tasks and resource management
• maintaining care standards throughout the shortage

Patient feedback is crucial to quality improvement. A good clinical manager will conduct surveys periodically to understand how patients feel when attending the clinic. Ask this question to determine if the candidate values patient satisfaction. What to look for in an answer:

• use of surveys or other metrics to measure patient satisfaction
• reacts to complaints in a timely manner
• monitors patient satisfaction and implements improvement plans, as needed

Proficiency in using electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential for modern clinical management. A good candidate will have working knowledge of EHR systems and be comfortable with various types of technology. Asking this question ensures you find a candidate with the right technical knowledge you require for your clinic. What to look for in an answer:

• hands-on experience with major EHR platforms
• training and troubleshooting abilities
• focus on data accuracy and privacy

Changes to healthcare regulations impact healthcare professionals and patients. A good candidate stays up-to-date on laws and regulations and actively implements changes as they occur. This question evaluates whether the candidate is actively staying current with the regulatory environment as it evolves. What to look for in an answer:

• participation in training or seminars
• subscription to industry publications
• active professional networking

When managing a clinic or healthcare facility, improvements are sometimes required to maintain a smooth-flowing operation. Asking this question can assess the candidate's initiative and leadership in enhancing operations. What to look for in an answer:

• identification of a process gap and what measures to take to solve it
• implementation of the improvement plan
• measurable results achieved

Confidentiality is of the utmost importance in healthcare. Privacy laws are designed to keep patient information safe and confidential. Asking this question ensures the candidate takes privacy laws seriously and respects patient confidentiality. What to look for in an answer:

• adherence to privacy laws (PIPEDA, PIPA or FIPPA, depending on whether you are in the private or public health care sector)
• secure handling of procedures
• staff education on confidentiality