Leading healthcare change is a journey fraught with obstacles.  Initially fueled by an innovative idea the path emerges. This is followed by months of meetings and change barriers; a solution that seemed so elegant mired in doubt and delayed realization.  Amidst challenges, the ability to embrace doubt becomes an important superpower.

Change Urgency and Glacial Pace

From my experience leading a decade-long effort to transform the primary to specialty care referral process, it’s clear that progress can be arduous. Inefficient referrals have a significant negative impact on patient care and are symptom of a major health ‘system’ fracture (Fax machines, seriously?). A part of wrestling with disbelief is clear urgency to effect change and the glacial pace of change. We aimed for transformation, and we got incremental progress.

Lessons Learned

Surround Yourself with Allies: Connect with people who share your commitment to the cause. Connect and enlist them to provide new energy and insight over the long haul.
Who has a vested stake in the issue? Is there common ground to move forward together?

Stay Committed to Action: Lay out the plan. Work the plan. Cross actions off the list. Eventually progress is made, and conviction increases.
What actions can be taken to keep moving forward? What obstacles are you experiencing? How can you address them? When?

Remain Focused Amidst Organizational Turmoil: Don’t get distracted by politically driven swirl. Crisis, reorganizations, leadership changes are a given in healthcare. They always come with a shockwave. Stay focused on what matters.
What is happening in your environment that is impeding progress? What is in your sphere of influence? How do you stay focused during times of high ambiguity?

Enlist Patients/Clients/Family Members Impacted by the Issue: This is a super important way to hold yourself accountable to do the right thing.
How have you engaged patients and families in this work? How would they respond if you gave up working on this area of need?

Manage Internal Doubts and Resistance: Quite your own inner critic and resistance. Mind your need to refuel and address the misgivings that come with leading change.
Who can you connect with to help wrestle with your doubts? How can you manage your anxiety?

Progress is gradual, even amidst doubt and uncertainty. Remember, be kind to yourself along the way!
Allison

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