First Practice Management training DVDs

First Practice Management training DVDs

First Practice Management £42.50 + VAT per DVD http://www.firstpracticemanagement.co.uk

I was delighted to be given the opportunity to review these DVDs produced by First Practice Management.

This series of training DVDs is intended for use by dental practice managers, providing them with the advice and support required to manage three, sometimes difficult areas of staff management: appraisal; managing sickness absence; and grievance and disciplinary. Each DVD is introduced by Tim Marlton of First Practice Management and presented by Patricia Gray, a management/HR consultant, trainer and facilitator specialising in general practice.

Each DVD begins with an introduction setting out the content and the anticipated learning outcomes of the topics discussed. The presentation itself could not be easier to follow as we watch typical practice scenarios acted out to highlight both difficult areas of staff management and then ways of avoiding such situations. Patricia Gray discusses each situation and promotes good practice by establishing solid practice policies, protocols and procedures and at the same time, highlighting any relevant legislation. Each situation is dealt with using a common sense approach and puts the point of view for both employer and employee.

In addition to the audio visual presentation, the DVD provides the facility to download documents to support the procedures and policies discussed which can then be modified to suit the individual practice. A full PowerPoint presentation is also provided and can be downloaded for further use within the practice or as notes from the presentation. The convenience of being able to do this in practice is also a great benefit!

These DVDs provide the practice manager with practical advice on managing situations.

Appraisals are sometimes viewed by management and staff as a time consuming, unnecessary process that has little or no benefit to either side. This DVD highlights how, with preparation and real understanding of the benefits achievable, staff appraisals are a real tool to staff performance and overall teamwork success.

Absence management is never an easy situation in dental practice largely due to the fact that we often rely on small teams and when a member of staff is missing, it can put a strain on the whole practice. This DVD provides the practice manager with practical advice on managing these situations, looking at both short and long term absence. It covers a whole range of methods to prevent unnecessary short leave, as well as looking at the legislation surrounding what we can and can't do and moving on to fully explaining the assistance that may be made available to the staff member who finds themselves on long term sickness leave and how perhaps the practice can be reorganised to cope with such situations.

Grievance and disciplinary procedures. At last, a clearly defined tool to assist the practice manager to handle grievances and take disciplinary action fairly and in accordance with statutory requirements. As a practice manager I hope this one rears its ugly head as little as possible but with this DVD as an easily accessible reference, I will feel more confident in handling such situations.

The practice manager's role is one that is constantly challenged by the unceasing new initiatives, changing legislation and the difficult staffing issues that can be presented in dental practice. It is sometimes difficult to find the tools suitable for convenient and easily accessible learning to achieve and maintain the skills required. First Practice Management has got it right and I have no hesitation in recommending these DVDs to all practice managers.