How can patient advocates adapt to change in the workplace?

1 Assess the change

The first step to adapt to change is to understand what it is, why it is happening, and how it affects your role and your patients. Sometimes, change can be positive and exciting, such as implementing a new system that improves efficiency and quality of care. Other times, change can be stressful and disruptive, such as dealing with a pandemic or a budget cut. Either way, you need to assess the impact of the change on your goals, your tasks, your resources, and your relationships. This will help you identify the opportunities and the challenges that the change brings, and plan accordingly.

2 Communicate effectively

The second step to adapt to change is to communicate effectively with your patients, your colleagues, your managers, and your stakeholders. Communication is key to build trust, share information, resolve conflicts, and collaborate. As a patient advocate, you need to communicate clearly and empathetically with your patients, especially when they are facing uncertainty or anxiety due to the change. You also need to communicate proactively and respectfully with your colleagues, your managers, and your stakeholders, to ensure that you are on the same page, that you have the support and the feedback that you need, and that you can voice your concerns and suggestions.

4 Manage your emotions

The fourth step to adapt to change is to manage your emotions. Change can trigger a range of emotions, such as excitement, fear, anger, sadness, or frustration. These emotions are natural and valid, but they can also interfere with your ability to cope and perform. As a patient advocate, you need to be aware of your emotions, and how they affect your thoughts and actions. You also need to find healthy ways to express and regulate your emotions, such as talking to someone you trust, writing in a journal, meditating, exercising, or engaging in a hobby.

6 Celebrate your achievements

The sixth and final step to adapt to change is to celebrate your achievements. Change can be challenging and exhausting, but it can also be rewarding and satisfying. As a patient advocate, you need to acknowledge and appreciate your efforts and your outcomes, and recognize how far you have come and how much you have grown. You can celebrate your achievements by rewarding yourself, by sharing your success stories, by expressing your gratitude, or by simply taking a break and relaxing. Celebrating your achievements can boost your confidence, your motivation, and your resilience.