Effective teamwork is essential in the provision of high quality healthcare. The division of labor among clinicians, nursing, and clinical support staff determines the effectiveness of interdisciplinary teamwork which, in turn, has a direct impact on enhancing clinical outcomes in the provision of healthcare.
Similarly, successful EMR implementation requires a team approach to organizational change. EMR implementation is not merely about buying and rolling out the technology. It’s not about giving people new toys, and it’s not about adding more tasks to already-overloaded to-do lists. What it is about is changing the way people think and changing personal and organizational priorities. Most importantly, it’s about changing the way people think about and react to change. It is a profound shift from the individual to the collective – adopting a team mindset focused on accomplishing a complex series of goals and objectives together.
The simple fact is, no one person, no matter how intelligent and talented s/he may be, can accomplish a successful implementation alone. Teams in an organizational environment typically accomplish bigger and more significant goals that any that would be possible for an individual working alone. At SOAPware, years of experience have taught us that the most successful implementations occur when every employee in the clinic or practice is onboard with the process.
Adopting a team approach helps foster an environment that encourages involvement and open communication, helping owners and administrators understand and appreciate the legitimate concerns that employees have with regard to the implementation of a new practice-wide system. More often than not, team members often discover that they share mutual concerns, leading to a common bond of understanding.
Teams vs. Groups
Don’t make the mistake of assuming that because you and your staff are a group, you are also a team. Unlike a group, a team is interdependent for overall performance. A group qualifies as a team only if its members focus on helping one another to accomplish organizational objectives. Pro-active, productive teams aim to perform, get results and achieve victory in the workplace.
Group members typically recognize that they are grouped together for administrative purposes only, and individuals occasionally cross purpose with others. On the other hand, team members recognize that both personal and team goals are best accomplished with mutual support. Time is not wasted with turf battles or attempting personal gain at the expense of others.
While group members are not necessarily committed to excellence and personal pride in the workplace, teams share a bond of commitment to excellence and achievement. Members practice open and honest communication, making an effort to understand each other’s point of view.
| The Individual-in-a-Group Perspective | The Team Perspective |
|---|---|
| “Admitting I don’t know is weakness.” | “Admitting I don’t know is the first step to learning.” |
| “Not created by me; lacks value.” | “Created in my community, by my team.” |
| “I defend what I know.” | “I’m open to learning new ways of doing things.” |
| “My vision is realized 100%. I don’t have to compromise.” | “More players at the table means more ideas and inspiration. Collaboration gives everyone the opportunity to excel and, ultimately, our team will come up with the best possible solutions.” |
User Testimonials
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