Once you’ve identified the change you want to make, you have to implement it.
Whether you want to update your front end, start an innovative service, or adjust your pharmacy’s workflow, any change can bring its own unique set of challenges. But don’t let those hurdles stop you from innovating in your pharmacy. Innovation is what keeps your business growing, your patients coming back and your pharmacy relevant.
Here are some common challenges you might face as you strive to implement innovations in your pharmacy, and tips for overcoming them.
Challenge: People don’t see the need
No matter what you’re trying to change, there will likely be holdouts. People who don’t see the need for change and who want to keep things the way they have always been.
Whether it’s one of your employees, or a long-time patient, convincing people that change is necessary can be difficult, and can impede innovation.
Solution: Establish the problem
To help get people on board with your idea, start by establishing the problem.
For example, if you’re going to adjust your pharmacy’s hours to stay open later, be sure to explain why you’re making the update. Employees might initially be upset that their schedules are changing, but once you explain that you’ve lost several patients because they couldn’t pick up their prescriptions after work, they’ll be more likely to accept the new plan.
Also, every adjustment you make should have a reason. By defining the problem you can ensure that the change is necessary. And it will be easier for all stakeholders, including employees and patients, to understand how the innovation will benefit them, and your business overall.
Challenge: Disorganization
Disorganization can delay, and even derail, any implementation process.
For example, if you’re introducing new procedures to your workflow, disorganization can leave half of your employees using the outdated method with the other half using the updated procedures.
Solution: Create a schedule
Keep all of your employees, including those at different locations and those on opposite shifts, organized and on the same page by creating—and sticking to—a schedule.
Set benchmark dates for implementing your innovation. For example, complete employee training on your new service by the first of the month, finish test runs by the middle of the month and promote the launch of the service to patients by the end of the month.
Putting your schedule for introducing change into writing can help you stay on track, and keep everyone informed.
Challenge: Confusion
When you institute a new service, or procedure, it’s likely that someone will be confused.
This confusion can make the entire project ineffective. For example, if you’re starting to offer a medication synchronization program, patients might be confused about how the program will affect them, and these misconceptions could deter them from enrolling in the program.
Solution: Communication
Avoid misconception and confusion by communicating frequently with all stakeholders. Don’t leave anyone out.
Start communicating why you’re implementing an innovation early in the process, and be sure to continue to communicate throughout the change. Remember, communication is a two-way channel, so be open to feedback from those affected by the change, too. They might provide valuable insights for ways you can improve.
Challenge: Resistance to change
When you’re implementing a change, you might run into people who prefer the old way of doing things.
Whether they’ve gotten used to their routine, or they think the method they know is the best, the preference for the old way of doing things is a hurdle that can make implementing a new strategy difficult.
Solution: Identify the benefits, and adjust
To overcome people’s preference for the way things are, outline the benefits of the change.
For example, patients might not want to opt into a medication synchronization program because they think it will be more work for them. But once you explain the benefits to them, including fewer trips to the pharmacy, they’ll be more likely to get on board.
Make sure the benefits matter to them. For example, patients won’t likely care if a change benefits your bottom line, so make sure you explain what’s in it for them.
Also, don’t be afraid to adjust. Take patients’ and employees’ criticisms as suggestions. They might offer you valuable insights on ways to improve your new program or service.
If your business needs more than an update or a tweak, consider reinventing your independent community pharmacy with these tips.
Follow our series!
Stay up-to-date with our series on innovation. Each installment discusses a different aspect of innovation including the need for it, the challenges to innovation and tips for innovations you can make in your pharmacy.
Pharmacy Innovation Part 1: Why It’s Important to Innovate
Pharmacy Innovation Part 2: Challenges of Innovation
Pharmacy Innovation Part 3: Innovative Ideas for Your Pharmacy
Pharmacy Innovation Part 4: Habits of Innovative Thinkers
