Implementing any change to your optometric practice can overwhelm your staff. With some optometric practice changes, like on-boarding a new piece of optometry software, your team may feel fearful or confused as to why the change is happening.
Although the intent of the change may be to better the practice, improve efficiency, and enhance the level of patient care that you deliver, the unexpected announcement of a change in your optometric practice may result in a loss of productivity, loss of employee trust, and loss of staff.
We identify the 3 reasons why you should solicit staff buy-in when undergoing an optometry software change.
The 3 Benefits of Getting Staff Buy-in For An Optometry Software Switch
Identify Unique Requirements
When you are asking for staff buy-in, it creates an opportunity for your staff to analyze the way they complete tasks and helps them identify areas for improvement. This self-reflection also helps you identify your team’s unique requirements because there may be certain job functions that may not be known to you, but are essential to running an efficient and profitable practice.
Your team may also bring to your attention time-consuming tasks which can be replaced using automated features in a new practice management and EHR solution.
Assist In Decision-making process
Making a decision that can impact so many aspects of your optometric practice may put a lot of pressure on just the OD or practice manager. By consulting your team before making a decision, you get a different perspective on the options and can increase the chance of your team collectively making the correct choice for your practice. Also, it doesn't hurt that including your staff makes them feel like the practice is a democracy and that they play an integral role.
Reduce Resistance
Anytime you suggest a change to the way your staff completes their job; there is usually a bit of resistance that could reduce the effects of the change. When you pitch the idea of changing your cloud-based practice management and EHR software, it’s important to get your staff involved to help address any resistance early on. So, when the solution is being implemented, you have full cooperation and support to ensure the desired outcome the change will bring.
Prepare your optometric practice for a software change by downloading our optometry software implementation mini guide.
