Methods: This session will define the difference between problems to solve and polarities to manage. Arnold (2017) describes this concept of polarization as a “healthy tension,” which when effectively managed, can be a positive tool to move past ongoing, unsolvable problems. This concept may also be known as a dilemma, paradox or wicked problem. Wesorick (2016) calls polarity thinking “the missing link or logic, ” which she described in her struggle to understand why so many issues reoccur in health care despite numerous paradigm shifts, intelligent and capable thinkers, and advances in research and technology. Change efforts which attempt to “fix” problems in health care, such as cost and quality, have not been able to produce sustainable gains (Wesorick & Shaha, 2015).
Results: Polarities help us see the big picture, or whole of reality, each pole of an issue together produces something more complete (Wesorick, 2016). It does not have to be an either/or choice sometimes, rather it can be a both/and pursuit of improving the situation, moving towards sustainable improvements.
Conclusion: Health care problems are complex, especially when considering issues such as individual performance and team performance, patient satisfaction and staff satisfaction, mission and margin; These are not simple problems that can be fixed with a single solution. Understanding the nature of polarities may help healthcare teams and practitioners improve practice outcomes.