Reciprocal Inhibition

You can decrease the frequency of any behavior through punishment, but why not give some thought to reciprocal inhibition? Reciprocal inhibition is the process of defining the opposite of the undesirable behavior and reinforcing the positive instead. Reciprocal inhibition can be useful for leaders in helping change behaviors aiming for high reliability. For example, instead of punishing errors, reward quality.

In this Assignment you will identify where reciprocal inhibition might be used to improve patient outcomes in quality and patient safety. You will also recommend steps that will foster a culture of quality and recommend at least one strategy for overcoming the challenges of achieving a culture of high reliability.

To prepare:

Review this Week’s Learning Resources related to creating a culture of high reliability

The Assignment:

This week’s reading suggests that reciprocal inhibition is a good strategy to change reinforcers in the health care system and that “culture eats strategy.”

Considering your organization, or a health care organization you are familiar with, write a 3- to 4-page paper that:

Describes how and where reciprocal inhibition might be used to improve patient outcomes in quality and improve patient safety.

Explains how using reciprocal inhibition may be an improvement in the culture of quality. Include any steps that will foster a culture of quality in an organization to become a high-reliability organization.

Recommend at least one strategy for overcoming the challenges of fostering a culture of high reliability.