The development of a model to manage change: reflection on a critical incident in a focus group setting. An innovative approach

Abstract

Aim This paper describes the development of a model to manage and evaluate the management of change. The Change Management Model may provide nurse managers or change agents with a structured and measurable model for managing and evaluating the change process. A measurement constructs tools to further assist the evaluation process is also described. Background The author argues that certain key variables can be identified which contribute to the successful implementation of change. These variables include critical success factors for change, communication issues, change dynamics that include resistance or acceptance of change, and the variables related to the management of the implementation and evaluation stages of the change process. Key issues Change is a constant in the health care field. Nurse managers must learn to accept change as a normal process and to develop coping and managing strategies for the successful management of change. This acceptance of change as a dynamic process will create opportunities and challenges for nurses. Conclusion The Change Model was developed through reflection on critical incidents related to change by students at a University School of Nursing and Midwifery in the Republic of Ireland, in a focus group setting. The Measurement Construct Tool was developed through a review of the tools currently in use and from ideas generated in a matrix related to change presented by Clarke & Garside (1997). Students who were involved in the initial focus group discussions agreed that the Change Model was highly effective in describing how the change was managed; that the Change Management Measurement Constructs Tool facilitated the evaluation of a change process; and permitted the inherent subjectivity related to the change process to be replaced by an objective measurement tool. Both the model and the Measurement Construct Tool are in the process of being tested for validity and reliability.

Change-related expectations and commitment to change of nurses: the role of leadership and communication

“…Many authors have shown that providing information can help reduce uncertainty and anxiety (Johnson et al. 1996), and this condition is essential for creating openness toward change initiatives (Carney 2000, Wanberg & Banas 2000, Stanley et al. 2005).…”

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Pain assessment tools: children’s nurses’ views

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Expected roles and utilization of specialist nurses in Japan: the nurse administrators’ perspective

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