We all know the scenario... You just completed a course, or program, gaining valuable insights and knowledge and leave the program feeling excited and ready to take on the world! However, when you return to practice you are facing reality and the office is running at status quo. You get super busy dealing with the every day busy'ness' of the practice and before you know it, you're back at home, flaked out on the couch, feeling a little defeated. The next day it's the same thing.
So, how can we make change happen in our practice? How can we take our new acquired knowledge and turn it into action?
Here are some things that may help you:
The First Step: Reflect on Your Learning
Before diving into implementation, take some time to reflect on what you've learned. Consider the key concepts, skills, and practical applications. Identify the areas where you feel most confident and those that may require further exploration. This reflection will serve as a foundation for crafting a strategic plan.
Second Step: Set Clear Goals for the Program
Define specific and achievable goals based on what you've learned. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. Establishing clear goals will provide direction and motivation, making it easier to track the progress. Whether it's applying new skills, starting a project, or pursuing further studies, having concrete goals will keep you focused.
Third Step: Create an Actionable Plan
Develop a detailed plan outlining the steps you need to take to achieve your goals. Consider timelines, resources, and potential challenges. Break down the implementation process into smaller tasks, making it easier to tackle one step at a time. A well-thought-out plan will serve as a roadmap, guiding you through the practical application of your newfound knowledge!
Fourth Step: Collect Your Data
Take a look at your current practice and analyze all the things associated with where you are at in your practice. Document the status quo of the practice including the pros and cons with respect to your practice as a team as well as your patients.
Fifth Step: Present your Proposal
Arrange for a meeting with the decision makers of your practice and your team. When proposing a new program or a plan that you wish to implement, be strategic about it. Don't propose it 'on-the-fly' as you are passing someone's office. Set up a meeting, go in prepared and present your material. In this presentation you will also share who will sustain the program and how.
Sixth Step: Apply the Knowledge/Plan Consistently
Consistency is key when implementing a new program. Integrate the new concepts or skills into your daily routine or work processes. The more consistently you apply this new knowledge, the more it becomes ingrained in not only your thinking and behaviour but also your team as a whole. This steady integration will enhance proficiency over time!
Seventh Step: Track your Progress
When applying something new in your practice, track on a daily basis. Look at the day ahead the night before or morning of and also, look at the day behind and track the progress. As an example, perhaps you are implementing lasers into your practice. Take a look at your day ahead and select 2 patients that day who you feel would greatly benefit from being treated with lasers. Add this to your Daily Planner and then at the end of the day, use the Tracking Sheet to check off to confirm that you treated 2 patients that day with lasers. You could even track the production next to the check mark to show the impact it has on your day so that you can share this later with your team.
Eighth Step: Seek Feedback and Adjust
Don't be afraid to seek feedback and adjust when needed. Keep the team informed of how this new program is working. The worst thing to do is not keep the team up to date and leave them wondering what is happening. Track your progress and adjust when needed. Share this with your team. If we don't track, we can't progress. Track so you know if you are successful! Keep a record of your progress, challenges, and achievements. Tracking your journey not only helps you celebrate milestones but also serves as a valuable resource for future reference or showcasing your accomplishments to assist in the transformation.
Implementing what you've learned from a course or program requires deliberate effort and commitment, but the rewards are well worth it. This is where true Transformation will happen! By reflecting on your learning, setting clear goals, creating an actionable plan, applying knowledge consistently, seeking feedback, making adjustments when needed and tracking your progress, you'll transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills and experiences which will ultimately enhance your practice and patient care.
I have added the Daily Planner and Tracking Worksheet below as a Download. Please feel free to use in your practice. If you ever have any questions or would like to brainstorm with me, feel free to contact me :)
Thank you for your support and for reading! Please take a look below for upcoming live streaming courses, events, hands-on courses, career postings and our partner specials.
Have a great week!
Kathleen
Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH ~ President
