Of change, challenges, communication and collaboration...

While on a visit to the United States at the end of last year, I came upon a small book of quota-

tions (Davis 1986). One, attributed to Joseph Sugarman, seemed particularly relevant to the present time.

Each problem has hidden in it an opportu- nity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity.

Change is a concept of modern society. Society is a dynamic entity, which is constantly in a state of change, be it politically, socially, economically or whatever. Therefore, change is inevitable to a great degree, whoever and wherever we are, and much of the time we can see it coming. Within the overall global concept of change are, of course, the effects on health- care systems and ultimately the implications for the delivery of critical care services.

So why does change always seem to come as

such a surprise to us, and why does it concern us so much? W e are taught about theories of change, and how to implement it. In these respects we are usually in control and it is only

when we, ourselves, are the subject of change

that we feel threatened and the problems start.

Anxiety levels rise and change becomes feared. It is time for a radical rethink. Time to begin

to constructively anticipate change, and, more importantly, to consider the component prob- lems and the opportunities that may arise within them. Instead of looking for the negative, let us look for the positive, and grasp the opportuni- ties presented. Critical care nurses develop good analytical and reasoning skills when applied to patient care - and we now need to broaden the application of these skills in dealing with the context in which that care is delivered.

Grasping opportunities is also aided by noting and utilizing the experiences of others, both in our own healthcare systems and others. Throughout the world, different healthcare systems and the professionals within them are experiencing different problems, and there is room for greater communication and collabora- tion in problem solving and the sharing of both difficulties and successes. For some, the forth- coming Wor ld Congress of Critical Care in Ottawa in June this year will provide an oppor- tunity, but it is not always necessary to look so far afield and we must be innovative in develop- ing mechanisms of global and more local com- munication.

Change is to be expected, it is now part o f our lives. H o w we deal with it, and how we find and make the most of the opportunities that lie within the problems is very largely up to us. Challenge is exciting, and to be given opportumties should be seen as a privilege.

R E F E R E N C E

Davis W fed) 1986 The Best of Success. Great Quotations Inc. Illinois

Belinda Atkinson Assistant Editor

Intensive and Critical Care Nursing (1997) I 3, 125 © 1997 Pearson Professional Ltd