Question

Consider the diversity in cultural assumptions, philosophies, and beliefs that many healthcare professionals bring to their positions, whether they are clinical, administrative, or support staff. Many which are based on their personal experiences within the healthcare delivery system and on an underlying perfectionist mentality: perfection is expected; mistakes not allowed.

This mentality could create an environment that is not conducive and/or challenging to quality improvement. Do you agree or disagree with the perfectionist mentality in healthcare? As a healthcare professional, explain how would you change this perception?

Answer 1

Answer: The perfectionist mentality in the health care is challenging for the quality improvements. This mentality creates an extra burden on the healthcare professionals. The healthcare industry by its nature cannot be perfect and there will always be certain loopholes present in different aspects of the industry. A pressure for perfection can result in negative outcomes like stress, anxiety and depression in the health care professionals and this may affect the quality of service they offer. Therefore it is essential that the perfectionist mentality should be avoided. As a health care professional I will run an awareness campaign for changing the perceptions of the people about perfection in health care. This campaign will incorporate a series of seminars on this subject where the participants can interact with experts and other people and exchange their views. Apart from this a series of pamphlets related with the issue will also be distributed to the health care professionals.