“It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.”
– W. Edwards Deming
With an external environment defined by uncertainty, volatility, complexity and ambiguity, one thing is certain –CHANGE. Whether we like it or not, change is occurring and we must leverage our strengths against the fulcrum of change. The words of Deming set up a “Hobson’s Choice” in which only one option is really offered regarding change. In reality, it is not an all-or-none phenomenon regarding change (i.e., resist versus drive transformation) but an amalgamation of many choices that define an organizational mindset regarding change. I am pleased to report that our specialty has a well-calibrated attitude toward change that aligns with our purpose – to restore health and relieve pain and suffering. We stand on our principles when change will adversely affect our patients, and we embrace change when it enhances the quality and safety of...
