It can be hard to make a change! Implementing a new technology or process in your practice can be easier when you follow these three simple steps!
First, staff buy-in is essential when introducing a new process. Educating the team on the "why" of the technology is one way to accomplish this. Doing this as soon as the decision is made to bring it into the practice establishes mutually beneficial buy-in. Be sure to explain the thought and diligence that went into the decision and how excited you are to be able to offer this to your community. Another way to create buy-in is to be sure the team is well-trained and comfortable with the technology. You can do this by scheduling a day with little to no patients to go over the technology, giving everyone the chance to train and practice fitting the new process into the flow of your practices' patient care. During your weekly meetings, it is important to solicit feedback from patients who have had a chance to experience the technology.
For example, when we implemented our nMD2 we personally called each patient after two weeks of dispensing the Neurolenses to see how the patients were doing. Every comment is shared with the staff, and they quickly gained confidence as the technology became real and relatable. This also works well if any of the staff are candidates, so they can share their experience.
Second, prior to bringing the technology into the practice it is important to start internally marketing the product to your patients. Starting a list of patients who could benefit from the technology to reach out to once received and implemented is a great beginning point. Our patients love this and feel "special" when we reach out to them before their exam.
For example, we shared the technology with our potential Neurolens patients and added them to a list about 6 weeks before bringing the nMD2 into our office to build excitement. Another example was when we started myopia control. We had about twenty-five candidates that we reached out to when we started our myopia control protocol. It helped the patients anticipate coming in and built buzz around the program.
Third, once you have your processes in place for the new technology in your practice, and your staff really understands “why” it is beneficial to the practice, offering a bonus for monthly goals met is a great way to ensure the excitement of your implementation remains high. This engages the staff and makes them realize they are critical to providing this care to your patients.
For example, with our Neurolens technology goals, the entire team is enrolls in a monthly Neurons bonus program. Once the goal number of Neurolenses for the month are sold, a bonus payment is paid out.
Change can be tricky and bringing in new technology and processes is no easy feat. However, following these three simple tips can ensure the technology you are bringing into your practice is successfully implemented and used! This benefits your practice, your patients, and your staff!
To learn more about Neurolens, please visit our website at https://www.neurolenses.com/.