Change Theory in Healthcare

Change Theory in Healthcare

Research change theories from scholarly literature resources. Choose a change theory and correlate the steps of the theory to a change that has occurred in your clinical area.

• Did the change follow the steps well?
• Was the change made successfully?
• If it did not go smoothly, how would you have improved the process?

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APA

Change Theory in Healthcare

Change Theory: Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory

Step 1: Unfreezing

• Overview: This is the first stage where the organization or team becomes aware of the need for change. Resistance to change is acknowledged, and a case for why the change is necessary is developed.
• Clinical Example: In your clinical setting, this could be the introduction of electronic health records (EHR) to replace paper charts.
• Did it follow the steps well?: Assess if staff was adequately prepared for the change (e.g., through training or communication). Were the reasons for change made clear, and was there an understanding of the benefits?

Step 2: Change (Movement)

• Overview: During this stage, the actual transition occurs. The change is implemented, and everyone moves toward a new way of doing things.
• Clinical Example: The implementation of EHR systems where health professionals start using digital records instead of paper ones. Change Theory in Healthcare
• Was the change made successfully?: Evaluate if the transition went smoothly. Was there sufficient training and support to ensure staff was comfortable? Were challenges addressed in real-time?

Step 3: Refreezing

• Overview: This is the final stage, where the change is solidified. New behaviors and processes are established as the norm, and there is an effort to prevent regression.
• Clinical Example: Once the EHR system is fully implemented, staff consistently uses it, and old paper-based systems are phased out.
• If it did not go smoothly, how would you improve the process?: Reflect on any struggles that occurred during the change (e.g., staff resistance, technical issues) and think about how better communication, additional training, or gradual implementation could have made the process more effective.

Reflection

• Reflect on the specific change in your clinical area and…