Giving and Receiving Feedback in Healthcare Teams: Overcoming Resistance and Building a Culture of Growth

Dr. Sharon Washington
Apr 9
3 min read

Updated: Apr 11

09, April, 2025 Dr. Sharon G.E. Washington

Man in blue scrubs holding smiley and sad face cards, with stethoscope around neck. Bright background, neutral expression. — A doctor holding cards with smiley and frowny faces, representing the equilibrium of positive and negative feedback in healthcare.

In healthcare settings, feedback serves as a vital instrument for professional development and enhancing patient care. However, the process of giving and receiving feedback often encounters barriers rooted in cultural norms and physiological responses. Understanding these challenges and implementing somatic practices can foster a culture of growth and collaboration.

Understanding the Challenges of Feedback in Healthcare
The Impact of a Poor Feedback Culture
Somatic Practices to Enhance Feedback Interactions
Building a Culture of Constructive Feedback
Conclusion

Understanding the Challenges of Feedback in Healthcare

Feedback is difficult in healthcare due to several interconnected factors:

The Culture of Perfectionism

Medical training often emphasizes perfection, leading to a profound fear of making mistakes. This environment can make feedback feel like a personal failure rather than an opportunity for improvement.

Hierarchical Power Dynamics

The hierarchical structure in healthcare can create power imbalances, making it challenging for junior staff to provide upward feedback and for leaders to receive feedback from their teams.

Nervous System Responses to Feedback

Feedback, especially when perceived as criticism, can trigger stress responses:

Fight: Defensiveness or argumentative behavior.
Flight: Avoidance of feedback discussions.
Freeze: Difficulty processing feedback.
Fawn: Over-apologizing without internalizing feedback.

These reactions are protective mechanisms activated by the perceived threat of negative evaluation.

Fear of Conflict or Judgment

The apprehension of confrontation or damaging professional relationships can lead to the avoidance of giving feedback, resulting in unaddressed issues and stagnation.

The Impact of a Poor Feedback Culture

Four people in lab coats hold colorful speech bubbles. They're sitting at a desk with papers and books, against a gray background. — Doctors express diverse thoughts and feedback through colorful speech bubbles, highlighting challenges in communication.

An ineffective feedback environment can have significant adverse effects:

Decreased Team Collaboration

Without open communication, teamwork suffers, leading to misunderstandings and reduced efficiency.

Increased Burnout

The absence of constructive feedback can contribute to stress and burnout among healthcare professionals.

Compromised Patient Care

Unaddressed performance issues can directly affect patient outcomes and safety.

Emotional Toll

A lack of effective feedback can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and decreased job satisfaction.

Somatic Practices to Enhance Feedback Interactions

Incorporating somatic practices can help regulate the nervous system and promote a more receptive feedback environment:

Grounding Before Feedback

Before engaging in feedback conversations, practitioners can benefit from grounding techniques to center themselves. This involves standing with both feet firmly planted, taking deep breaths, and releasing physical tension, which can help in managing stress responses.

Pause and Respond Technique

Taking a deliberate pause before responding to feedback allows individuals to process information and mitigate immediate defensive reactions. Simple breathing exercises during this pause can facilitate a more thoughtful response.

Woman in teal scrubs stands against a yellow background, hands on chest, with a relaxing pose — A nurse in a calming posture, using soothing hand gestures to create a relaxed atmosphere before providing feedback.

Self-Soothing Hand Gesture

Placing one hand on the chest and the other on the abdomen while taking deep breaths can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and openness during feedback exchanges.

Receiving Feedback with Curiosity

Approaching feedback with a mindset of curiosity involves asking clarifying questions and focusing on bodily sensations to remain present and engaged, transforming potential threats into learning opportunities.

Delivering Feedback with Presence

Providing feedback with mindfulness includes regulating one's breath, leading with appreciation, and offering clear, non-judgmental observations, which can reduce the likelihood of triggering defensive responses.

Building a Culture of Constructive Feedback

Establishing a culture that embraces feedback requires systemic changes:

Leadership Commitment: Leaders should model feedback behaviors and prioritize feedback as a core competency.
Training and Resources: Providing education on effective feedback techniques and somatic practices can equip staff with necessary skills.
Regular Feedback Opportunities: Integrating feedback into daily routines normalizes the process and reduces associated anxieties.
Supportive Environment: Creating a safe space where feedback is viewed as a tool for growth rather than criticism encourages open communication.

Conclusion

Addressing the challenges of giving and receiving feedback in healthcare involves understanding cultural influences and physiological responses. By implementing somatic practices and fostering a supportive environment, healthcare professionals can transform feedback into a constructive force that enhances personal development and patient care.

Take Back Your Energy & Resilience

Secondary trauma isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a normal human response to witnessing suffering. But without intentional practices to process it, it can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion.