Application: Planned Change in Nursing
Introduction
Healthcare providers are facing increased pressure from need to improve patient care, nursing staff shortages, outdated technologies, and increased responsibility in shared governance. According to existing research, patient care which the main objective of nursing is being overlooked due to routine activities like documentation and administering medication that are least beneficial to patients.
Inefficiency
Ineffective and inefficient communication systems are a hindrance to patient care. They are time consuming hence requiring nurses to conduct more managerial work which overtakes the patient care role which is most vital (Marquis & Huston, 2012).
Communication between team members or inter-departments in a hospital otherwise referred to as care coordination is important to improve patient health. However, these nursing activities are done at the nurse station which increases distance between nurses and patients. This is attributed to traditional institutional processes and old technologies that have made communication difficult. Increased abandonment of patients by nurses due to this inefficiency requires that the entire communication system in a hospital be well analyzed and necessary changes implemented.
Change
Efficient nursing communication requires giving correct information to the right person in the correct format and at the right time and location. Nurses need mobile communication devices that enable communication from any location. These devices should filter information and ensure correct information goes to right person which will eventually eliminate time wastage by nurses. Mobile communication will ensure that clear directions on particular patient care are followed to ensure effectiveness in patient care.
Connectivity is necessary in efficient communication. Various clinical systems need to be connected to ensure automation of care coordination, elimination of duplication, and discontinuity elimination.
Advanced technologies required for this include core communications, workflow applications and solutions, and clinical mobility technology (Marquis & Huston, 2012). Core communications is the basic technology required for hospitals to operate smoothly. It includes basic applications like electronic badge readers, networking to connect all computers, telephone service, and wireless internet access for staff and patients. Workflow applications and solutions utilize connectivity and networking of core communications in synchronizing various hospital processes. They automate processes by eliminating manual tasks and paperwork. Clinical mobility technologies are devices that connect people and equipments together hence eliminating time spent moving to nurse stations to access telephone services.
Alignment
Hospital mission and vision are mostly to improve patient care for the health of patients. Values of hospitals are based on beneficence, privacy, respect, dignity, information sharing, participation and collaboration. This change in communication systems to embrace advanced technology is clearly enhancing the mission, vision, and values of hospitals (Marquis & Huston, 2012). Incorporating core communications, workflow applications and solutions, and clinical mobility technologies in hospital systems increases the time nurses spend with patients hence improve patient care significantly. Continuous information sharing between departments fosters participation and collaboration of all necessary parties for the benefit of a patient. Patient privacy is stricter since all information on patients in saved in computers which are safe. Therefore change in communication systems is in line with values and principles of hospitals.
Change model
The three-step model by Lewin utilizes concepts of unfreezing, movement, and refreezing. It is all about driving and restraining forces working at eliminating and replacing some practices hence necessitating change. Unfreezing requires increasing driving force that necessitate change and decreasing restraining force that hinder it. It will therefore require finding ways of making it possible to let go of old communication systems and embracing advanced technology and communication systems (Marquis & Huston, 2012). Movement will involve change in communication systems to the planned and efficient one to ensure vital goals of hospitals is fulfilled. Refreezing entails establishing change as the new habit. This will ensure that core communications, workflow applications and solutions, and clinical mobility technologies are accepted as the standard communication systems.
Processes in initiating and managing change
Implementing the change will require analyzing hospitals and its need for communication and technology systems change. Shared vision and common direction should be created amongst patients, nurses, administrators and other stakeholders (Marquis & Huston, 2012). Comparison with the existing institutional processes and communications systems made hence creating a sense of urgency for its implementation. Development of an implementation plan to present to concerned authorities. Communicating and involve other nurses in reinforcing the necessity of advanced technology and communication systems to the hospital. If administrators are convinced then it will require institutionalizing change.
Conclusion
Lewin’s planned approach is suitable for this case. Change process is indefinitely continuous with modifications that require implementation till desired results are achieved. Therefore any necessary change in whichever nursing department requires analysis to ensure the correct change model and strategies are chosen to implement it.
Reference
Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2012). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
