Choice of the Model
The selected model for implementing a practice change in a healthcare system is the theory of diffusion of innovation proposed by Everett Rogers. According to the author, this framework categorizes all relevant stakeholders into innovators, early adopters, early and late majorities, and laggards, each of which needs a specific approach to change implementation (Garcia-Dia, 2019). As seen from the classification, some groups, such as innovators, welcome change, while others, such as laggards, actively oppose the implementation of innovations in the workplace.
As a project manager, I would be eager to use this model to implement a positive practice change in a healthcare system because it specifically focuses on the human aspect of the process. Hence, to achieve this objective, it is critical to communicate openly with all stakeholders, explain the reasoning behind the change, and act as a leader to facilitate the change process (Garcia-Dia, 2019). Moreover, I would integrate the supporting framework that emphasizes knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation aspects to ensure that all stakeholders are confident about the change (Garcia-Dia, 2019). Ultimately, understanding the needs of each individual stakeholder and their perception of the EBP implementation is critical to mitigating emerging barriers and risks.
Barrier to Implementation
The selected EBP change is the introduction of the SBAR (situation, background, assessment, and recommendation) communication tool to improve patient safety. This approach is becoming gradually more prevalent in healthcare due to its positive effect on patient outcomes and improved communication within nursing teams (Müller et al., 2018). However, even utilizing the theory of diffusion of innovations, one notable barrier to change is the reluctance of employees to adopt new methods of professional communication. It is a highly relevant issue in the EBP implementation because people are generally skeptical about innovations and prefer traditional methodologies (Mathieson et al., 2019). Moreover, nurses might not be confident in their competencies and the overall ability to adopt a new communication tool, resulting in the rejection of the EBP implementation.
To overcome this barrier, Rogers’ theory suggests focusing on the human factor and establishing transparent and trustworthy communication with all stakeholders. Even people who are reluctant to change, such as “early and late majorities” and “laggards,” can be convinced if they understand the reasoning behind the EBP implementation (Garcia-Dia, 2019, p. 18). Hence, effective leadership is critical because it enables teamwork and a sense of common purpose, eventually persuading people of the necessity of positive change.
Indications for Change
It is possible to identify the necessity for change in the workplace using the principles of the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. Namely, emphasis on weaknesses and opportunities can reveal why and how EBP implementation might be effective for the organization. In the context of the SBAR tool, it mitigates such weaknesses as ineffective communication, clinical mistakes due to human factors, and overall hospital efficiency (Müller et al., 2018). On the other hand, it provides valuable opportunities not only in professional communication but also in improving the relationships among relevant stakeholders within the facility and even policymakers (Jurns, 2018). Within the EBP implementation framework, the analysis of strengths and threats is slightly less significant; however, it is still valuable to understand the strong points of the organization that can be used to mitigate emerging risks. For instance, a healthy organizational culture can significantly help overcome the barrier of reluctance to change, which is one of the major threats to EBP implementation.
References
Garcia-Dia, M. (2019). Project management in nursing informatics. Springer Publishing.
Jurns, C. (2018). Using SBAR to communicate with policymakers. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 24(1). Web.
Mathieson, A., Grande, G., & Luker, K. (2019). Strategies, facilitators and barriers to implementation of evidence-based practice in community nursing: A systematic mixed-studies review and qualitative synthesis. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 20. Web.
Müller, M., Jürgens, J., Redaèlli, M., Klingberg, K., Hautz, W. E., & Stock, S. (2018). Impact of the communication and patient hand-off tool SBAR on patient safety: A systematic review. BMJ Open, 8(8). Web.