Swapping Stability for Continual Change

In 2010 sweeping changes were launched that are pushing cancer registrars to their limits and beyond.  Undeniably it is the pace in which science and clinical medicine is changing that drives how cancer registrars need to work to keep pace and deliver the data and value to their healthcare teams.  In a recent Journal of AHIMA article, Laura Vondenhueval, RHIT, CTR, said it best, “This is a massive change.  It is a new way to look at how we are gathering our data.” 

It is obvious that cancer registrars need to learn how to work in an environment where change is no longer the exception, but the norm.  In the past we used to have long periods of stability with intermittent periods of change.  Today, we need to shift our mindset and accept that we will now have almost constant change with intermittent periods of stability.  Here are some common challenges cancer registrars face with constant change.    

Challenge #1

Before the 2010 changes were introduced we thought that this was just a phase that healthcare was going through, and after a very brief period of adaptation, everything would revert to normal and we could go back to enjoying a long period of stability.  Here’s a reality check, it’s not going to be that way any more because it’s not just a phase.  Healthcare providers and standard-setters are expecting more from cancer registrars and are telling us that they are willing to make adjustments in their workforce if cancer registrars cannot change their thought processes or do their work differently.  It’s not about workforce reductions, it is all about changing how we think about and do our work day to day. 

Challenge #2

Today, when we do hit those infrequent moments of stability, we think that we have time to relax and enjoy the moment.  In the past we focused on simply enduring the turbulence so that we could return to the comfort of stability.  In order to succeed with today’s changes we must take advantage of the quiet, stable moments and use them as a “launching pad” to prepare for managing the next wave of change.  During these moments of stability we should be thinking about what our healthcare teams and standard-setters will need from us in the short- and long-term future as well as what the new requirements might be.  Look at the industry and investigate how to position yourself more competitively so you are prepared when the changes inevitably come.

Challenge #3

Some cancer registrars may have developed an attachment to stability and focused their energy on creating and sustaining it in the workplace.  The hardest challenge of all will be to lose our attachments to stability.  The cancer registrar needs to embrace change and harness its power and seek out new opportunities that change brings to us.  Before 2010 we worked hard to get over change so we could relax; now we need to work hard at change so we can work hard at more change.  Registrars who choose to play the role of the victim can ignore change and how to deal with it, but by the time they are in a position to do something about it they will have lost the opportunity to prepare for it, and likely their “edge” and career success as well. 

So, what’s the solution?

First, make it OK to deal with change.  Accept where we are and what we as cancer registrars need to deal with.  Stop making judgments about change being necessary or unnecessary, good or bad, justified or not justified.  Change does not have to control the reality of our situation or our ability to manage it or serve our teams.    

Second, create a “safe” environment for yourself and other cancer registrars to deal with the change.  Break the changes down into manageable chunks and begin to take action on small pieces of it.  Start small and build from each successful step.  Encourage and allow your staff and peers to take risks by coming up with new ideas and solutions to changing how we do our work.  Provide a lot of encouragement and support to one another by building a solid support network and then by using it by tapping into its resources.    

Third, if you, or some of your peers or co-workers tend to identify with the victim, set up some accountability and support for each other.  Discuss the expectations and if necessary create workplace agreements and identify ways to interact and help one another so that each cancer registrar, whether they are local, regional, statewide or even nationally, can encourage you and other members of your network.      

Fourth, begin a process of constant acknowledgement, support and challenge for cancer registrars.  Be careful to not perpetuate the old paradigm of sitting back on your laurels during a stable period.  Acknowledge people for managing the current change and encourage all to begin talking about and planning for new, incoming changes.  When people get discouraged, provide support, acknowledge their success, and then present them with new challenges for growth. 

Change is not new to cancer registrars, nor will it ever cease.  Continual learning and enhancing the data that we collect to keep pace with medicine and science is driving the need for cancer registrars to develop new ways of thinking and doing their work.  Periods of stability with intermittent change are now the old paradigm.  Today, we must work hard to manage change in order to look ahead and be prepared for more change.  Cancer Registrars cannot do this alone, they must develop a strong network of their peers for support, accountability and positive acknowledgement of their role in the fight against cancer. 

IF YOU HAVE FOUND WAYS TO MANAGE THE 2010 CHANGES AND KEEP YOUR SANITY….POST A COMMENT BELOW.  QUESTION:  HOW CAN REGISTRARS HELP ONE ANOTHER THINK & DO DIFFERENTLY?

http://www.CancerRegistrar.com.  Michele Webb is a nationally recognized, certified cancer registrar (CTR) committed to Cancer Registry leadership and professional development.  She helps cancer registrars worldwide as a coach, mentor, educator, motivational speaker, and author.  You have permission to repost this article as long as you do not alter it in any way, give credit to the author and link back to her website.