You're facing opposition on new healthcare technology adoption. How will you navigate conflicting viewpoints?

As a health care manager, I think it is very relevant to develop a team spirit, active listening, and understanding the beliefs of each other and their needs. Use the STAR (Situation-Task-Action-Results) approach to help those who are resistant change their minds when implementing a new technology.  The resistants have to be a part of the process because, when they take part, they realise its importance and feel confident.

Escuchar activamente a las personas que se resisten ayuda a reconocer sus temores y necesidades, lo que facilita la adaptación. Este método aumenta la aceptación y fortalece la cohesión del equipo y la confianza en la dirección. La empatía y el apoyo son esenciales para transformar la resistencia en trabajo en equipo, lo que garantiza una implementación exitosa y un ambiente de trabajo positivo.

When we come to implementing new habits, technology, etc., it's necessary to conduct a need assessment. But the healthcare team has to keep in mind that this comes with some modifications and adaptations. I remember when I had to implement a new x-ray in my service. We took a look at the need and realised that the old one wasn't helping. good results for us. Three months earlier, we called an expert to explain and had some meetings with the radiology team. When the devices came, it was easier because they were well prepared and knew what to do. The transition took place without any issues or resistance.

some of the biggest risk concerns with new tech is involving HIPAA policies and patient privacy acts. Most clinicians have a controversial opinion of whether it is ethical to allow documentation at home in their laptops with the tech software or not, many believe it is safe and compliant with HIPAA if all the documentation is done at the clinical setting to avoid leak of information. With new features in the software, it can also be overwhelming to get used to the new system. Effective communication and addressing the concerns and risks at hand are critical to satisfy the employees.

Al implementar nuevas tecnologías sanitarias, es fundamental abordar los riesgos percibidos y reales. Reconocer y evaluar estos riesgos ayuda a crear métodos de mitigación y comunicación efectivos. Al involucrar al equipo en este proceso, se fomenta la confianza y la transparencia, lo que facilita la transición y reduce la resistencia. Un enfoque proactivo en la gestión de riesgos garantiza una adopción más segura y eficiente, que beneficia tanto a los pacientes como a los profesionales de la salud.

Clearly articulate how the technology will improve current processes. Use data and real world examples to back up your claims. You can address concerns and skepticism head on by highlighting the positive impact. Show stakeholders how the technology aligns with their goals and values, emphasizing the long term benefits it can bring to both patients and the organization. This positive framing can shift the narrative and build a coalition of support for the new technology.

A implantação de novos sistemas sempre passará por dificuldade inicial entre equipes. Somente os treinamentos, feedbacks, demonstração dos benefício e reuniões periódicas podem minimizar os conflitos e otimizar os processos de implantação. As dificuldades iniciais passam, mas os benefícios ficam e daqui a pouco os profissionais não vão querer mais voltar atrás, e vai sugerir cada vez mais ampliação das tecnologias.

Communication is the cornerstone of each process in the team implementing a new process or technology. It's also important to be transparent , open-minded, open to feedback (positive or not), and simplify the knowledge approach to be understood. 

El manejo de la oposición a la tecnología sanitaria requiere una comunicación clara y coherente. La transparencia en la información sobre los beneficios, riesgos y procedimientos asociados aumenta la confianza y reduce la incertidumbre. La colaboración y el compromiso se fortalecen escuchando activamente las preocupaciones del equipo y respondiendo de manera consistente. Un buen liderazgo se basa en la empatía y la transparencia, transformando la resistencia en una oportunidad para mejorar la implementación y el rendimiento del equipo.

Empathy is often overlooked as an essential tool in gaining stakeholder and user buy-in for new technologies. Engaging clinicians in the process provides a degree of authenticity that can make the difference with those who do the difficult work of caring for patients and populations.