Yet another best practice from my IT colleagues at the University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN). We emphasize “the why” in all our work and communications. From the updates on our upcoming Epic go 
live to agenda topics to user communications about scheduled downtimes, explaining the why helps everyone understand the context and reasons for what we do.
Our University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) Chief Nursing Officer, Kate Fitzpatrick, reconnected us all to “the why” again at our IT All Staff meeting this week. With about 70 days left until go live, she spoke to the staff who are working long hours to implement a common, integrated EHR throughout the network.
She drew on the stories that were part of the Green Mountain Care Board Certificate of Need (CON) presentation when UVMHN first got the project approved.
Those stories were like those of every other healthcare system with a regional reach that cares for their patient population through integrated and coordinated services provided by an academic medical center and community hospitals. A common patient health record accessible by clinicians at all care locations.
I remember when my daughters were very young. They constantly asked “why” and were curious about everything. Every answer I would give them lead to another “why”. As I calmly explained things to them at the level they could understand, I would eventually run out of answers or get too frustrated to answer more. When they were in negotiation mode as all young children seem to be at times, I may even have eventually lost my patience and said, “because I said so”.
But at work, I would never fall back on “because I said so” with colleagues or my team. Explaining “the why” helps people understand the big picture and the benefits which leads to action, buy-in and acceptance.
No one likes to blindly follow someone. We all want purpose and meaning in our work. Next time you find yourself making an ask of someone at work, whether it’s a big or small ask, be sure to explain the why.
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Anita Bridges on said:
We run into this frequently from the other side. Our clinicians will ask for a particular change, and we ask “Why?”. Once they explain it, sometimes we can suggest a better change to meet their needs. Always ask the “Why?”!
Sue Schade on said:
Anita, great example. Applies everywhere!