Question

Change can be difficult to implement. Now that you are almost finished with your change project, if you were to implement your project in your clinical practice, what type of resistance do you expect from staff? List at least three ways that you can lessen the resistance you may encounter to help ensure the success of your project.

Answer 1

Type of resistance expected from the staff:

Logical or Rational Resistance: These are the resistance that comes due to logical reasons such as the time needed to adjust to the new change, fear of less desirable condition, extra effort needed to the new implement, economic fluctuation, technical development to meet the change.

Psychological resistance: These are the emotional and behavioral resistance of the staff. The feelings of fear of unknown change, insecurity, loss of self-esteem, misunderstanding of the management, and leadership roles.

Sociological resistance: This occurs due to challenges of group norms and values. The social resistance results in politics among the colleagues, opposing group values, narrow-minded of the staff, and withdraw from the group work.

Three ways to lessen the resistance:

1. Education and communication:  Develop the communication between the technology developers and the healthcare providers. Educate about the pros and cons of the new technology. Eliminate the language barriers among the various professionals involved in the healthcare. Cultural differences and resistance should be avoided. Make interaction between different groups.
2. Participation and Involvement: Take sufficient measures for the participation of staff members in the implementing of the new project. IT support and involvement in the new innovation. Project managers should be involved at each level of care to minimize the lack of support and interest. The leaders should help in active learning and clear instructions should be given.
3. Manipulation and cooperation: Arrange for the workshop of the new project and provide technical training. Make cooperation and coordination among the healthcare providers and avoid reluctance to change. Consider the errors and problem of new technology and make necessary changes. Make necessary adjustment to the staff based on the situation.