Biting our nails, shopping daily on Amazon, prescribing treatment the same way we did 17 years ago….all three of these things are bad habits, but only one can affect the outcomes of our patients.
Therapists can agree that we all want to provide the highest quality of care, supported by the most current evidence. Yet, at times, it can be difficult to adapt our practice to new or different techniques. It takes, on average, 17 years for evidence to be translated into practice!
So why is it so hard to translate evidence into practice?
- The complexity and expanse of our practice
- Incomplete access to evidence
- Difficulty interpreting evidence
- TIME
- HABITS
The Functional Pathways clinical team is here to help with the first four reasons! As part of each of our Core 4+ programs, we comb the intranet to include the current evidence, Clinical Practice Guidelines, and protocols from people much smarter than us. Outside of our clinical programs, we are here to find the most up-to-date and cutting-edge research and resources on any topic that you may need to support your patient outcomes.
Most importantly, our patients count on you to take this new information, form a new habit, and put it into practice!
How many of us have attended a CEU, thought the information was wonderful, but then did nothing with it (I am raising my hand too)? Here are a few steps to help you incorporate new clinical habits:
- Write out a plan of what you want to change.
- Start small (one new standardized test or treatment technique).
- Set goals and mark progress towards them.
- Realize that change causes discomfort. Changing means willing to be uncomfortable, which means a need for increased self-control, self-regulation and effort. Our brains reward us for routine and ease, so we have to work against our own brain.
- Be willing to devote time and effort.
- Create accountability through goal-setting with a buddy or support from clinical team.
- Encourage curiosity.
- Celebrate wins, even small ones.
- Forgive yourself if you get off track, but set a plan to get back in motion.
If you want this level of support at your facility or community, reach out to the Functional Pathways clinical team at clinical@fprehab.com! Especially if you need help shopping on Amazon. We are really good at that!!