Chapter 14 : Managing Change †

Abstract:

Change is the process of becoming something different. With the proper guidance and implementation measures, the change or proposed changes will come with improvements that make your laboratory a better place to work, enhance quality, and improve patient outcomes. This chapter defines change and explains the concepts and types of change. Change may be either planned or unplanned. Planned changes are also referred to as anticipated changes and are intended and thought out. Unplanned changes are changes that are not anticipated. The three types of change are transactional, transitional, and transformational. Transactional change occurs when an organization makes improvements to stay competitive. Transitional change is a more complex type of change in that it replaces processes or procedures with new concepts and procedures. Transformational change is a shift in the entire business culture of the organization. The chapter instructs the reader on how to become a change agent and explores why people resist change. It discusses the steps needed to manage change effectively: prepare, implement, monitor, sustain, and reevaluate. The chapter helps the reader understand the changes and trends occurring in the healthcare arena. It further clarifies the paradigm shifts occurring in the healthcare arena and discusses survival and winning strategies for workplace changes. Trends are rapidly changing, and so are attitudes, expectations, and roles. Healthcare professionals are reforming themselves and attempting to collaborate and share resources before mandatory change is imposed. The chapter explains the skills needed for the future to succeed in the healthcare arena.