HCA 699 Why is it important to incorporate a theory or model related to change when implementing practice changes?  Re: Topic 5 DQ 2

It is important to incorporate a theory or model related to change when implementing practice changes because it can help increase the likelihood of success. Implementing change this route encourages collaboration around the change agent with planned, purposeful execution (Mitchell, 2012). The time invested in using a theory or model to implement change may feel overwhelming, yet the outcome of a failed change project is at risk otherwise. The elements affecting successful change are numerous and can include “rising costs of treatments, workforce shortages, professional obligations, such as clinical governance and codes of conduct, advances in science, an aging population, the potential to increase patient satisfaction, and promotion of patient and staff safety” (Mitchell, 2012, p. 32). Understanding the challenges these elements pose help justify the time and effort used to carefully plan out steps of implementing change. Using a theory or model that aligns with the organization’s culture and decreases the barriers that prevent successful change in that particular environment is important. Lewin’s change model and Lippitt’s change theory are two commonly considered theories of change. Lewin focuses on three primarily elements of unfreezing, moving, and refreezing while Lippitt uses four elements to produce change including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation (Mitchell, 2012). Utilizing a well-studied theory that aligns with the organization’s values and culture and makes sense for the planned change is ideal and worth the investment.

Reference

Mitchell, G. (2012). Selecting the best theory to implement planned change. Nursing Management, 20(1), 32-37. Retrieved from http://home.nwciowa.edu/publicdownload/Nursing%20Department/NUR310/Selecting%20the%20Best%20Theory%20to%20Implement%20Planned%20Change.pd