How to take the pain out of healthcare change

by Mickey Lebowitz According to Albert Einstein, the definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing and expecting there will be a different outcome. In the current healthcare environment, hospitals may be considered "insane" if they continue to do the same thing and don't "reform" (change for the better). Not improving on patient outcomes and satisfaction could lead to financial hardships, if not organizational demise. But change can be painful because it creates fear. Studies using functional MRI scans suggest areas of the brain that are activated when one is fearful are similar to areas that are activated when one is asked to change. So what can hospitals do to carry out these painful healthcare reforms? It may come down to the old joke, "How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? One, but the light bulb has to want to change." Getting the light bulb to want to change is, however, no joke, though it could be fun. At Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y., we're following the Pike Place Fish Market's "FISH principles" (be there; choose your attitude; make their day; play) to encourage continued reform of our staff's culture. By doing so, we hope to help staff bridge the gap between what they know to do and actually doing it. Recently, a group of physicians and nurses (aka the Crouse Germinators) created a rap video encouraging our staff to reduce hospital-acquired conditions (HAC) and improve patient safety (a win-win-win for our hospital,...
Source: hospital impact - Category: Health Managers Authors: Source Type: blogs