This podcast episode explores the continued use of pagers in the healthcare industry, focusing on the challenges faced by doctors and the need for improved communication tools. It discusses the limitations of pagers, such as their one-way communication and lack of detailed information, and highlights the frustrations they pose for doctors and patients. The chapter also examines the resistance to change in the healthcare industry and the unique circumstances that have allowed pagers to maintain their role in communication. Additionally, it delves into the implementation and success of a texting app pilot program, which proved to be efficient and effective in improving communication and patient care. The episode also discusses the role of power dynamics and the resistance faced when trying to replace pagers with new technology, highlighting the factors of risk, habit, identity, and power that influence technology adoption. Lastly, it explores the resistance among junior doctors towards the new texting app, as well as the need to consider user preferences and resistance when introducing new technology in healthcare.
Takeaways
• Pagers are still widely used in the healthcare industry, despite being obsolete in many other industries.
• Pagers pose limitations in communication, such as providing limited information and having a one-way communication pathway.
• Doctors in different departments, including emergency medicine, dermatology, trauma surgery, and zoological internal medicine, face the frustrations and inefficiencies of pagers.
• There is a need for improved communication tools in healthcare to enhance collaboration and patient care.
• A pilot program using a texting app alongside pagers proved to be efficient and effective in improving communication and response times.
• Resistance to change in the healthcare industry is influenced by factors of risk, habit, identity, and power.
• The resistance faced when replacing pagers with new technology is driven by the fear of losing power and identity associated with pagers.
• Junior doctors resisted the new texting app due to the overwhelming demands it created and the control they had with pagers.
• Consideration of user preferences and resistance is crucial when introducing new technology in healthcare to ensure successful adoption.
• The advancement of technology and changing consumer behaviors have transformed the advertising landscape.
