ICSI Colloquium 2010—Fourth Annual Book Drawing
by Gary Oftedahl, MD

Over the past 4 years, I have had the pleasure of giving away 10 books at the closing session of the ICSI/IHI Colloquium. From an altruistic standpoint, this is intended to provide attendees with access to books that may be of use in framing their thinking in moving their quality efforts forward. Of course, the fact you have to be present to win is an incentive (which we’ll highlight later) to remain for the entire conference. Each of these in some way has had an impact on my thinking, and will hopefully do the same for you. In no specific order:

• The Innovator’s Prescription by Clayton Christensen
  This book was on the list last year, but nothing has changed my feeling that it is worth reading. The book addresses the concept of disruptive innovations, as applied to other industries, and contemplates the impact on health care of this model, if and when applied. While perhaps unsettling to some, it is worthy of consideration, in addressing the need for health care transformation.
  
  
• Connected by Nicholas Christakis
  Many of us are familiar with the “six degrees of separation” concept which begins to address the increasing connectivity of our world. In this thoroughly fascinating, readable book, Christakis delves into the concept of social networks, addressing the “social contagion” which may impact everything from opinions to obesity. It will cause you to contemplate seriously how to use this in increasing your personal and organizational sphere of influence.
  
  
• Drive by Daniel Pink
  There are many books written about the understanding of human behavior change and the challenges we face in driving change. In this short, but eloquent book, Pink addresses the area of motivation. After reading about the value of extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation, and contemplating the intricacies of human illogic, you’ll question the long term impact of pay for performance, not to mention many of the quality efforts in addressing how to influence patient behavior. Very thoughtful.
  
  
• Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
  Another holdover from last year, but it is one worth reading. Much like in his previous books, The Tipping Point and Blink, Gladwell uses examples and anecdotes, weaving them expertly to challenge the traditional attribution of greatness to high intelligence and talent as the primary determinant. I continue to view my life differently since reading this---better understanding who and what I’ve become. I trust many of you will have the same experience.
  
  
• Counterclockwise by Ellen Langer
  After reading this book, I was beginning to question how many of the things I’d been taught in medical school about influencing patients, using my medical model, were correct. Introducing me to the concept of mindfulness has triggered many questions in my mind about the need we feel to categorize and label our patients. While perhaps controversial to some, it is worth reading to provide a different viewpoint for considering how to engage patients in managing their health.
  
  
• Leadership on the Line by Ron Heifetz, MD
  Introducing the concept of adaptive vs. technical work, this book creates a different context for addressing the challenges we face in health care, not to mention our lives in general. As a leader in health care, this book will provide you with additional insights to the challenges and dangers of leading significant change—especially when confronting traditional values and established mores in your organization. It has been an underlying concept in much of my collaborative work.
  
  
• The Healing of America by T. R. Reid
  Through weaving in details of other country’s approaches to health care, this intriguing read addresses the challenges we face in “healing” America through attempting to transform the health care system. Written for those interested in conceptual thinking, it uses specific examples from around the world to paint a picture of the complexity and flaws in our present system.
  
  
• Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan
  While a bit more academic in nature, this book builds on the work of Heifetz, and his adaptive model, addressing the underlying “immunity” we have to change. Using lengthy individual stories, Kegan proposes a four column exercise for use individually or at a team level, which will help us in overcoming our innate resistance to change. The exercise he proposes has been very useful in our work in leadership, and is valuable on a personal level as well.
  
  
• Free by Chris Anderson
  While not linked to health care directly, this book is a must read for those interested in marketing, and creating a business model. Anderson goes into great depth, in an easily, enjoyable read to discuss the concept of free, as the new economic model. Using examples from Google to Apple, this will cause a shift in how you think about the economics of marketing your health care “products.” A fun read, and it will definitely challenge some of your traditional business beliefs.
  
  
• Switch by Dan Heath
  Last year, I recommended Made to Stick, written by the same brother combination, discussing what makes ideas stick. This year, Stick is another fascinating book addressing what types of interventions and activities are important in creating a behavior change which will “stick” and be sustainable. After reading this book, along with Drive mentioned earlier, you will begin to think differently about how to “motivate” your patients, not to mention yourself, and understanding what is necessary to influence a behavior change which will be sustainable—“stick.” Written for a non-medical crowd makes this almost as enjoyable a read as a well written novel—almost.

That’s the list for 2010, with several repeats, and a group of new and thought provoking books. I’m already into the list for 2011, and believe me, there’s more to come. Hope you find time to get through a few of these, and I hope to see you on May 18, 2011—maybe your ticket will be the lucky winner of one of the choices for next year.