Sample Answer for NRS 465 Compare and contrast two change and/or nursing theories Topic 4 DQ 2
Change models and nursing theories are essential in implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions in clinical settings and organizations. Nursing theories offer guidelines on implementing suggested interventions while change models provide steps for the EBP team to execute the proposed changes to the organization or nursing processes. The two change models are Lewin’s change theory and Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory. Lewin’s change model is a three-step process to implement change in organizational settings. These steps include unfreezing, changing, and refreezing. In the unfreezing stage, organizations and stakeholders identify the need for change and develop or propose plans for its implementation (Adelman-Mullally et al., 2023). The change stage entails implementing the proposed intervention while the refreezing integrates the new ways of doing things as part of the organizational culture.
Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory explains how people can implement new ideas or innovations in organizations and society. The change theory entails five stages that include the knowledge or awareness stage, persuasion or interest stage, decision or evaluation level, implementation or trial stage, and confirmation or adoption stage. As such, the two theories share similarities and also differ. Firstly, they all focus on implementing new innovative ideas or interventions (Afraz et al., 2020). Secondly, they involve stages as they consider implementing such ideas based on a systematic approach. Thirdly, they all emphasize adherence to processes and stages for effectively implementing suggested interventions or new ideas.
Conversely, the two theories differ in certain aspects. First, the focus of Lewin’s change model is the change process. However, Rogers’ change theory is general and focuses on the adoption and diffusion of innovations. Second, Lewin’s change process has three stages whereas Rogers’ model comprises five stages. Third, the application of the two models differs as Lewin’s change theory is applicable to small-scale changes at the organizational level while Rogers’s diffusion theory is effective for large-scale changes and the adoption of new innovative ideas.
The theory that would best support the implementation of the selected EBP proposed project in this case would be Rogers’ theory. The theory is relevant in healthcare where the adoption of new practices and technologies is necessary to improve patient care. The rationale is that Rogers’ theory offers a comprehensive framework to understand new ideas and practice and their adoption in organizations or groups (Dehghan et al., 2021). Secondly, the theory comprises stages of adoption which are necessary for a systematic application of the intervention. Lastly, it also considers the characteristics of innovation that can impact its adoption like complexity, relative advantages, and compatibility.
My preceptor agreed with the selected theory as she observed that her experience in introducing new practices or technologies in healthcare settings requires such approaches since it is a process based on stages as guided by Rogers’ model. The preceptor was also categorical that based on the nature of the EBP intervention, the model was the most suitable.
References
Adelman-Mullally, T., Nielsen, S., & Chung, S. Y. (2023). Planned change in modern
hierarchical organizations: A three-step model. Journal of Professional Nursing, 46, 1-6. DOI: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.02.002.
