How can critical thinking help you adapt to changes in healthcare policies and procedures?

An additional perspective is to ensure that the new change or improvisation in the EHR is compliant and improves the compliance related to quality regulations for example JCI or NHS or ISO

In navigating healthcare shifts, it's key to remember: 1. Understanding Decisions: Changes often come from diverse viewpoints. It's smart to understand the 'why' behind a change, and how it benefits everyone involved - patients, staff, providers, and management. 2. Facing Change Head-On: Change can be tough but it’s the gateway to better patient care and efficiency. New tech or protocols may shake our routine, yet by examining our own biases and being open, we ease into the new flow, ensuring smoother transitions and improved outcomes.

Process flow must be looked at in light of the changes. Ensuring comfort as well as quality in outcomes for patient care. There is a fine balance between quality and comfort and ultimate utilisation of patient care.

Keep in mind that nurses have the most patient contact on the care team. A dual perspective of a nurse and a patient, comparing new and old policies through critical thinking is invaluable. For example, a new infection control policy could shift workflow, personal protection, and patient care dynamics. By analyzing these from both lenses, I can offer unique insights to my team, aiding smoother transitions and ensuring the new changes are not only efficient but also enhance patient-centric care.

In order for the new changes to take acceptance, repeated trainings discussions engagement is of ut most importance to create the new culture and acceptability

One pragmatic approach I've found is planning the workflow alterations in advance. It's true, reinforcement is often needed to cement changes. Anticipating barriers, be it from physicians or supervised staff, and devising a strategy to address and monitor these changes is crucial.

One thing that I have found helpful is to help others understand the changes. If I can understand it well enough to teach it to others, I have a good grasp of the situation. If I can help someone understand the "why" behind the change, we will both be better for it. I find students tend to be more willing to accept change or more able to remember a concept if they understand the "why."

One mantra I uphold is maintaining a self-critical lens without taking things personally. It's a tough pill to swallow recognizing room for improvement, especially when patient outcomes are at stake. Yet, it's through this honest assessment that we truly refine our practice. Employing critical thinking post-implementation, reflecting on performance, feedback, and outcomes, is invaluable. It not only paves the way for personal and professional growth but also fosters a culture of continual learning and improvement, crucial for adapting to the ever-evolving healthcare milieu.

Post-Covid, a glaring revelation has been the shortage of staff and, more importantly, trained personnel. I've stumbled upon scenarios where what seemed like common sense to me—discerning urgency and alerting the right channels when a patient is in distress—was overlooked. I've encountered patients on my roster facing life-threatening issues needing immediate surgical intervention. As we stride into 2023, let’s mesh teamwork, common sense, and technology to elevate patient care. From the Garden State, I echo a sentiment of collective aspiration: may this year herald unparalleled healthcare standards. Good luck!