1. Recognize their value. Dr. Ellner suggests beginning the conversation with physicians by giving positive feedback. “Let them know they’re highly respected and of value to the organization,” he says. Beginning with praise may make physicians more open to a conversation on the intervention they may initially oppose.
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2. Explain their role. Leaders need to explain to physicians why their participation is important for the intervention’s success and patients’ safety.
3. Identify the root cause. Patient safety leaders should discuss with the physicians why they oppose the initiative. A physician may not understand the need for the intervention or perceive the project to be an additional task. Identifying the root cause of the opposition can help leaders develop solutions — such as educating the physician or building the intervention into current workflow.
4. Share data. “A lot of times it [comes] down to sharing data,” Dr. Ellner says. Leaders need access to data to show physicians current safety outcomes and the potential for improvement.
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