Introduction
Kotter’s change model theory posits that there are eight steps necessary in order to successfully bring about change in an organization. This model is an important tool for nurse leaders because it provides a framework for leading change in health institutions (Lv, 2017). Kotter’s Change Model through the Bedside Handoff Initiative can help nurse leaders change the way patient information is transferred from one nurse to the next, thus leading to better healthcare.
Kotter’s Change Model Components and Concepts Discussion
The establishment of a sense of urgency concept is one of the eight steps in Kotter’s change model theory. It is necessary to create a sense of urgency before initiating change because, without it, employees tend to be complacent and resistant to change. The model theory also stresses the importance of forming a powerful coalition in order to effect change. A coalition is a group of people or organizations with a common purpose or goal. In order to be effective, a coalition must be united and have a clear vision, authority, communicated plan and execution, and resources.
Similarly, Kotter’s change model theory suggests that empowering people to act on the vision is a key component of successful organizational change. This means that everyone in the organization needs to be aware of and buy into the vision and then be given the resources and opportunities to turn that vision into reality. Facilitating short-term wins refers to the need for a leader to create quick, visible wins early on in a change initiative in order to build momentum and keep people energized (Sanghavi, 2020). This motivation is often done by setting attainable goals and rewarding people for achieving these goals to motivate employees to continue working towards the larger goal. On the other hand, the consolidating gains concept focuses on taking the time after making changes to stabilize and solidify those changes. It is important to ensure that the new behaviors or processes are actually used and entrenched in the organization, thus leading to the institutionalizing new culture or approach within the organization.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
One evidence-based practice that could be implemented at my organization is the use of bedside handoffs. Bedside handoffs have been shown to improve communication and collaboration between nurses and physicians while reducing medication errors, workflow disruptions, and length of stay (Sassoli & Day, 2017). To implement this practice, nurses and physicians would need to agree on a standard process for handing off patients at the bedside. This could involve completing patient history and current status sheets as well as providing a concise summary of the plan of care. Once the process is in place, it would be significant to monitor compliance and continue to reinforce its importance.
Bedside Handoff Initiative Support
The bedside handoff initiative is a process by which doctors and nurses can more effectively communicate patient information at the point of care. This includes sharing important medical information, such as changes in vital signs or medications, between shift changes. The goal of this initiative is to provide better continuity of care for patients and to improve communication amongst the healthcare team. As McDonall et al. (2019) suggested, bedside handoffs can improve patient safety and satisfaction. According to Schirm et al. (2019), implementing a bedside handoff protocol decreased Code Connective Tissue Disorders complications and length of stay (Schirm et al., 2018). The study explained that due to a properly implemented change management process, CUNIX Infotech grew profit rates to (20% – 25%) from (8% – 10% revenue annually). As Pawar & Charak (2017) explained, patients who received bedside handoffs had better post-operative care transitions and were more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction with their care. Given the potential benefits of this type of communication, it is important to consider implementing a bedside handoff protocol in the health facility.
Bedside Handoff Initiative Change Steps
Healthcare initiatives are always looking for new ways to increase efficiency and patient safety, such as bedside handoff. According to the change theory by Kotter, there are eight steps that need to be taken in order for any change initiative to be successfully implemented (Harrison et al., 2021). It is essential to create a sense of urgency around the change initiative. This can be done by educating staff on the current problems with patient safety and explaining how the bedside handoff will help solve them. Next, a guiding coalition must be formed consisting of key stakeholders committed to seeing the change through. When the coalition is in place, they need to develop a shared vision for what success looks like.
Moreover, once the vision is clear, it is vital to communicate it to everyone involved. The change management team must make sure all team members understand the goal to be achieved and why it is important. The next step is empowering the employees to embrace the bedside handoff initiative (Sanghavi, 2020). One way to provide clear and concise information about the initiative is to ensure that nurses and doctors have the opportunity to discuss the initiative with each other to understand its potential benefits and logistics. Concerning short-term wins, facilitation of bedside handoff can be done by offering training and support to make staff comfortable using the new system. When proper training is conducted on the initiative’s implementation, the nurses and doctors will handle every element of the initiative excellently, thus leading to the achievement of the big goal. On the initiative’s vision accomplishment, the entire organization gets motivated with the bedside handoff initiative, therefore, making it a new approach or culture in the institution.
Kotter’s Change Model in Implementation and Sustenance of Bedside Handoff Initiative
Kotter’s Change Model theory will be used to implement and sustain the Bedside Handoff initiative by creating a sense of urgency, forming a coalition, establishing change management procedures, and measuring results. Urgency sense creation will help ensure that everyone involved in the handoff process is on board and motivated to make the necessary changes. Forming a coalition will aid in ensuring that everyone has a say in how the change is implemented and that everyone is held accountable for their part in the process (Sanghavi, 2020). Establishing change management procedures will help in making sure that all changes are made in a controlled and coordinated fashion. Finally, measuring results will allow nurse leaders to track progress and ensure that the company is able to decide whether or not to register the initiative as its new culture.
Kotter’s Change Model on Safety and Quality Improvement
The use of Kotter’s Change Model theory can facilitate the improvement of quality and safety. This is because the model provides a clear and structured approach to organizational change, which can help teams identify what needs to be done and why it is important (Galli, 2018). Additionally, the model can assist in ensuring that everyone is on board with the changes being made and that they understand their role in making the changes happen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kotter’s Change Model can be used to improve health care through the Bedside Handoff Initiative. The model provides a step-by-step process for implementing change, which can help to ensure that improvements are made in a timely and organized manner. Additionally, the model stresses the importance of communication and collaboration in order to successfully implement change. These qualities are essential in the health care setting, where teamwork is crucial for providing high-quality care.
References
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Harrison, R., Fischer, S., Walpola, R. L., Chauhan, A., Babalola, T., Mears, S., & Le-Dao, H. (2021). Where do models for change management, improvement and implementation meet? A systematic review of the applications of change management models in healthcare. Journal of Healthcare Leadership, 13, 85. Web.
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McDonall, J., Hutchinson, A. F., Redley, B., Livingston, P. M., & Botti, M. (2019). Usability and feasibility of multimedia interventions for engaging patients in their care in the context of acute recovery: A narrative review. Health Expectations, 22(6), 1187-1198. Web.
Pawar, A., & Charak, K. (2017). Study on adaptability of change management: Review of Kurt Lewins and Kotter model of change. Research Revolution International Journal of Social Science and Management, 5(4), 79-83. Web.
Sanghavi, H. (2020). Strategic change management at CUNIX infotech. VUZF Review, 5(3), 20-30. Web.
Sassoli, M., & Day, G. (2017). Understanding pharmacist communication and medication errors: A systematic literature review. Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management, 12(1), 47-61. Web.
Schirm, V., Banz, G., Swartz, C., & Richmond, M. (2018). Evaluation of bedside shift report: A research and evidence-based practice initiative. Applied Nursing Research, 40, 20-25. Web.