Answer 2 for HCA 699 Why is it important to incorporate a theory or model related to change when implementing practice changes?
I think change models are integral to implementing a change and mitigating the typical impediments and resistance. It is a framework that helps facilitate the small goals necessary to complete to achieve the ultimate objective. Personally, I think that putting forth the work of implementing the change model is even more important than the change itself. It is a great learning tool and changes are inevitable within an organization or within individuals. So, understanding how to tackle them and implement them will only serve to benefit them as future changes happen.
I really liked the website regarding the theory of change because in one of its illustrations was a bunch of people all trying to cross a body of water stating that perhaps it would be easier if they had a bridge (Center for Theory of Change Inc, 2019). The framework that the change theory offers is essentially the connecting piece that a bridge provides. It helps to “bridge” the gap between the desired change, the steps necessary to accomplish it, and the anticipated outcome the change will bring (CTC, 2019). The theory helps the person or organization to identify their long-term and short-term goals and what necessary conditions need to exist in order for it to come to fruition (CTC, 2019).
I really liked how Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt described the importance of change theories via change models to “organize [the] thinking about EBP and understand[ing] how various aspects of EBP work together to improve care and outcomes” (2019, p.383). The framework is the guide that helps from the beginning to identify the stakeholders and their needs, the problem they are trying to fix, barriers, effective strategies to overcome, and ways to disseminate the information about the change (Melynk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). Though, their example mainly applies to EBP I think it has application to any change because there are changes in every industry about best practices and standards.
Changes vary in intensity and size influencing the difficulty with implementing it. The way that I best correlate changes can be to any large or small project. I absolutely hate putting together things such as Ikea furniture and even large papers. But I have learned that reading the instructions is vital because otherwise important steps are missed, and things can be forgotten that impact the entire end goal. With large papers, I have learned the hard way how facilitative an outline of a paper is in putting it together. The instructions and outline are like the step by step framework to accomplish the end objective. It helps break down your goals in a way that streamlines the process rather than complicating it. It’s the navigation to get to the destination. Thus, even though it is a time-consuming process upfront it actually saves time and energy in the end. Because it identifies the barriers, breaks down the goals, and strengthens the resolve from the beginning. Making it an overall easier process to take head-on.
Melnyk, B., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare a guide to best practice 4th edition [Ebook Version]. Retrieved from https://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/wolters-kluwer/2018/evidence-based-practice-in-nursing-and-healthcare_a-guide-to-best-practice_4e.php
The Center for Theory of Change Inc. (2019). What is the theory of change? Retrieved from https://www.theoryofchange.org/what-is-theory-of-change/
