Introduction
Hypertension-related problems are frequently observed in adults, and the task of medical workers is to take preventive measures and reduce their blood pressure to normal limits. The application of antihypertensive drugs is one of the common therapies that can be offered to patients, but this intervention has to be properly implemented (Aronow, 2018). In this paper, change to decrease hypertension in patients older than 50 years will be based on Kotter’s model. In his intention to lead change, John Kotter developed an 8-step change model in the middle of the 1990s. Compared to other models that consist of three or six steps, the choice of eight steps was explained by the necessity not to neglect any process and predict failure. To make sure change is properly understood and accepted, the following factors should be considered: urgency, coalition, vision, a volunteer army, barriers, short-term wins, acceleration, and change (“8-step process,” n.d.). Each step has its characteristics and goals, and an understanding of the theory promotes the success of the whole intervention to increase positive health outcomes in hypertensive patients.
The reasons for the selection of Kotter’s change model include the possibility of focusing on the environment, as well as the necessity of understanding people, their needs, processes, and access to available resources. The first step of the model is to create a sense of urgency for change (“8-step process,” n.d.). It means that all the participants and stakeholders should understand why it is necessary to act immediately. The second step is building a collation, the members of which can guide and coordinate other people while changing the environment. The next task is important in terms of developing a vision with the help of which initiatives gain meaning. Then, it is necessary to understand how many people should be involved (voluntary) to move the change.
As soon as participants are chosen and understand their roles, the analysis of barriers is required to remove all obstacles. The generation of short-term wins helps to identify the results and explain the possible progress (“8-step process,” n.d.). After all these steps are taken successfully, acceleration sustainability must be underlined as it serves as the only credible factor of system improvement. Finally, the institution of change is observed when all connections are established, and old habits are replaced with new approaches. All these steps are not difficult to take, and its selection is characterized by thoughtful preparation and description of every single task to promote success and effectiveness.
Implementation of Change Model
During six months, patients, aged 50 years or older, have to demonstrate consistent adherence to antihypertension drugs. It means that a nurse or a group of nurses should consult patients and their families about the importance of such factors as consistency and adherence to therapy. Kotter’s change model has already been successfully applied to predict the risk of surgical site infection and needle stick injuries (Aziz, 2017; Burrden, 2016). Its usefulness was explained by the necessity of never giving up and fostering the environment regarding high-quality outcomes.
In the case under analysis, the goal is to implement the intervention and help hypertensive patients to control their blood pressure and prevent the growth of health problems. The implementation of this change model consists of eight steps, and none of them should be skipped. To create urgency, one needs to underline the presence of high blood pressure in millions of adult patients, and the development of antihypertension drug therapy can be proved as an effective solution. A guiding collation may include a researcher, several nurses, and facility administrators who have to control the treatment process. The introduction of a strategic vision like the decrease of hypertension using drugs in adult patients is obligatory to create a volunteer army, including nurses, patients, and their families.
When participants are chosen, and the intervention is explained, some barriers may occur, and the task is to remove them by collaborating and discussing alternatives. The next step is an understanding of short-term wins of antihypertension drugs within the next six months. The coalition and a volunteer team focus on the sense of urgency and address the chosen vision any time it is necessary to support the goals. Finally, acceleration plays a vital role because resistance may challenge the intervention. Nurses and patients should not give up and support each other to make sure the change works. This change model covers several aspects that define the quality of nursing care and the process of healing after a specific treatment plan is implemented.
In general, the implementation of Kotter’s model in the project, the goal of which is to decrease hypertension and promote positive health utilizing antihypertension drugs, has certain benefits. This change model includes the value of researching the field and analyzing the achievements that have already been made. In addition, the roles of nurses and other stakeholders are as important as the presence of resources and the environment. The only recommendation for its implementation is to never miss a step and follow a plan introduced by Kotter several decades ago.
References
8-step process. (n.d.). Kotter.
Aronow, W. S. (2018). Antihypertensive drug therapy. Annals of Translational Medicine, 6(7).
Aziz, A. M. (2017). A change management approach to improving safety and preventing needle stick injuries. Journal of Infection Prevention, 18(5), 257-262.
Burden, M. (2016). Using a change model to reduce the risk of surgical site infection. British Journal of Nursing, 25(17), 949–955.