Adaptive Performance for Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

The healthcare sector is under pressure to change and restructure. One of the reasons is that, due to the aging population, the demand for healthcare is increasing, while the supply of healthcare personnel is decreasing. This poses a risk to the accessibility of health care. Therefore, healthcare organizations need professionals who can effectively adapt to the changes required to ensure that healthcare remains accessible. By adaptive, we mean the ability to effectively adjust to changing situations, learn from new experiences, and respond constructively to challenges. In our research, we first focus on the relation between adaptive performance and the personality traits of healthcare professionals. The results indicated that openness was positively associated with adaptive performance, whereas neuroticism was negatively associated. Recognizing that personality alone does not fully account for adaptive performance, we also explored hindering or stimulating factors healthcare professionals experienced when initiating and implementating change regarding to appropriate care. These findings offer practical guidance to healthcare institutions, educational institutions, and policymakers to enhance the adaptive performance of healthcare professionals. By promoting adaptive performance, the healthcare sector will be better equipped to address ongoing demographic and workforce challenges, thereby contributing to the accessibility of healthcare.