How can you manage change in the healthcare system and prepare your patient advocacy team for new challenges?

Change is inevitable in the healthcare system, especially in times of crisis, innovation, and reform. As a patient advocate, you need to be able to adapt to new situations, policies, and expectations, while also supporting your team and your clients. In this article, you will learn some strategies to manage change in the healthcare system and prepare your patient advocacy team for new challenges.

1 Assess the impact of change

The first step to manage change is to understand how it affects you, your team, and your clients. You need to identify the sources, reasons, and goals of the change, as well as the potential benefits and risks. You also need to evaluate how the change aligns with your mission, vision, and values as a patient advocate. By assessing the impact of change, you can anticipate the opportunities and obstacles that may arise, and plan accordingly.

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2 Communicate effectively

The second step to manage change is to communicate effectively with your team and your clients. You need to share relevant information, updates, and feedback about the change, and listen to their concerns, questions, and suggestions. You also need to provide clear guidance, expectations, and support for your team and your clients, and address any confusion, resistance, or anxiety that they may have. By communicating effectively, you can foster trust, collaboration, and engagement among your team and your clients.

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Evelyn Lefebvre

clinical Nurse Specialistat Te Whatu Capital Coast and Hutt Valley
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It is important to be honest and transparent with the team and those impacted. If you do not know the answer, say so. If you need help finding the solution say so. Being vulnerable with your team builds trust.

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3 Embrace learning and innovation

The third step to manage change is to embrace learning and innovation. You need to be open to new ideas, approaches, and solutions that may help you and your team improve your performance, efficiency, and quality of service. You also need to seek and offer feedback, coaching, and mentoring to enhance your skills, knowledge, and competencies as a patient advocate. By embracing learning and innovation, you can develop your professional growth, creativity, and resilience.

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4 Advocate for your team and your clients

The fourth step to manage change is to advocate for your team and your clients. You need to represent their interests, needs, and preferences in the decision-making process, and ensure that they are treated fairly, respectfully, and ethically. You also need to negotiate and collaborate with other stakeholders, such as healthcare providers, insurers, regulators, and policymakers, to achieve optimal outcomes for your team and your clients. By advocating for your team and your clients, you can protect their rights, empower their voices, and enhance their satisfaction.

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Evelyn Lefebvre

clinical Nurse Specialistat Te Whatu Capital Coast and Hutt Valley
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Provide space for your team and clients to advocate for their needs and tell their stories. Change needs to be beneficial for those impacted rather than purely a cost driven motive.

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5 Evaluate and adjust

The fifth step to manage change is to evaluate and adjust. You need to monitor and measure the results, impacts, and feedback of the change, and compare them with the initial goals and expectations. You also need to identify and address any gaps, issues, or challenges that may emerge, and make necessary changes or improvements. By evaluating and adjusting, you can ensure the quality, effectiveness, and sustainability of the change.

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6 Celebrate and appreciate

The sixth step to manage change is to celebrate and appreciate. You need to acknowledge and reward the efforts, achievements, and contributions of your team and your clients, and express your gratitude and recognition. You also need to reflect and learn from the experience, and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for future changes. By celebrating and appreciating, you can boost the morale, motivation, and loyalty of your team and your clients.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Kevin McNamara

Health care Consultant, Fractional Leader
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There are some who have difficulty accepting change. Do not give up on them. Take the extra time to help them understand the reasons for change and the benefits otherwise you may lose a good staff.

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Tshililo Tshikosi

Learning and Development Professional | MBA candidate| Sustainable Education & Youth Development 💡 | Transforming Ideas into Impactful Learning Experiences ✨
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To effectively manage change in the healthcare system and prepare your patient advocacy team for new challenges, several key strategies should be implemented. First and foremost, staying informed is crucial. Continuously monitoring industry trends, healthcare policies, and technological advancements ensures that your team is well-prepared for upcoming changes. Additionally, invest in ongoing education and training for your patient advocacy team, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to new challenges. Clear communication is equally vital, as maintaining open lines of communication within your team through regular meetings and feedback sessions allows for discussions and the addressing of concerns related to change.

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How can you manage change in the healthcare system and prepare your patient advocacy team for new challenges?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Assess the impact of change

2 Communicate effectively

3 Embrace learning and innovation

4 Advocate for your team and your clients

5 Evaluate and adjust

6 Celebrate and appreciate

7 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

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How can you manage change in the healthcare system and prepare your patient advocacy team for new challenges?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess the impact of change

2 Communicate effectively

3 Embrace learning and innovation

4 Advocate for your team and your clients

5 Evaluate and adjust

6 Celebrate and appreciate

7 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

Rate this article

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