Data, facts and instruments on the German health system
What it’s all about
Probably the most common objection raised by physicians and medical assistants to proposals for change in practice management is, “We’ve always done it that way.”
Through passivity to the sidelines
This attitude is counterproductive for several reasons:
- Lack of innovation: focusing solely on how something has been done in the past inevitably leads to a failure to consider new ideas and innovations. The operating environment and requirements are constantly changing, and it is important to adapt and find new solutions. By sticking to old methods, there is a risk of missing the boat and not keeping up with the latest developments.
- Lack of efficiency improvements: just because something has worked reliably in the past doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the most efficient or best method. By rejecting change and improvement, inefficient processes or workflows persist. New technologies or approaches could lead to significant efficiency gains, but refusing to explore them means those opportunities are missed.
- Stagnation and lack of adaptability: an attitude of keeping things as they are leads to stagnation and impairs the ability to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Flexibility and openness to change are essential qualities to successfully deal with changing conditions.
- Lack of reflection and criticism: By simply sticking to old habits, there is often a lack of willingness to question one’s own approach or to examine whether it is actually still appropriate. Critical self-reflection and review of the status quo are important steps to continuously improve and to identify possible mistakes or ineffective methods.
Proactively combating stagnation and its disadvantages
To avoid these aspects, it is necessary for all practice owners and their staffs to regularly compare their work with the Best Practice Standard as a basic activity. It describes all the regulations, instruments and behaviors that are essential for practice operations to function smoothly even under changing demands. How to implement this simply, quickly and cost-effectively is described in the publication “Benchmarking practice management for general practitioners and specialists – method, application and benefits”. It can be requested free of charge by e-mail to post@ifabs.de.
R2049 