Assignment Question

Organizations spend a great deal of time and money to establish and maintain a diverse workforce. When organization expansion or systematic change is on the horizon, organizational leaders must be confident they have in place processes that will allow them to succeed. Jim Collins (2001) said it best when describing the impact of the internet and the technology explosion. He said: Yet through all this change, great companies have adapted and endured. Indeed, most of the truly great companies of the last one hundred years, from Walmart to Walgreens, Proctor and Gamble to Kimberly Clark, from Merck to Abbott, trace their roots back through multiple generations of technology change, be it electricity, the television, or the internet. (Collins, 2001, p. 147) For this week’s assignment, place yourself in the position of manager of a medium-sized healthcare facility. You have been with the facility since its beginning almost 20 years ago and the facility has grown, due to personalized service. But due to new federal regulations, technology within the office will be the new norm. Electronic tablets will be used to sign in, nurses will use rolling kiosks to document intake assessments, and physicians will use laptops to record responses. Please create a video presentation with 7-10 slides that you can webcast to all employees of the facility. This video should be 7-10 minutes long and cover the topics outlined below: What are the changes being made and why? How will these changes be implemented? What impact will these changes have on the workplace? What impact will these changes have on the patients (clients)? How will the impact of these changes—on employees and clients—be measured? What is the process to provide suggestions and feedback about the new system?

Answer

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, organizations are constantly evolving to keep up with technological advancements and market demands. This evolution is particularly vital in healthcare facilities, where the quality of care and operational efficiency are paramount. This paper explores the imperative for organizations, like a medium-sized healthcare facility, to invest time and resources in establishing and maintaining a diverse workforce capable of adapting to technological changes. As Jim Collins (2001) noted, great companies endure by adapting to shifts in technology, and healthcare facilities are no exception. The healthcare industry is currently undergoing a significant transformation, with the integration of technology becoming the new norm. This paper delves into the key considerations and strategies for successfully implementing technological changes in a healthcare facility, with a focus on communication through a video presentation.

Changes in Healthcare Technology

In recent years, the healthcare industry has witnessed a seismic shift towards technology integration, driven by factors such as federal regulations and the need for improved patient care. In our medium-sized healthcare facility, these changes include the adoption of electronic tablets for patient sign-ins, rolling kiosks for nurses to document intake assessments, and the use of laptops for physicians to record responses. These changes are being made to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of patient data while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations (Smith et al., 2020). The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is one of the fundamental technological changes. EHRs enable healthcare providers to access a patient’s complete medical history, reducing the risk of medical errors and improving the overall quality of care (Linder et al., 2007). By digitizing patient records, we can ensure that all healthcare professionals have access to the most up-to-date information, resulting in more informed decision-making and better patient outcomes.

Implementation Strategies

To ensure a smooth transition to the new technological landscape, careful planning and effective implementation strategies are crucial. The video presentation will outline the steps involved in this process. It will detail how training and education programs will be organized to equip employees with the necessary skills to operate the new technologies seamlessly. In addition to training, a robust change management strategy is essential. We will utilize Kotter’s (1996) eight-step model, which includes creating a sense of urgency, forming a guiding coalition, and communicating the vision for change. This approach will ensure that all employees understand the importance of the changes and are actively engaged in the process. Moreover, it will emphasize the importance of a phased approach, with a dedicated team responsible for overseeing the implementation and addressing any issues that may arise (Kotter, 1996).

Impact on the Workplace

The introduction of new technologies will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the workplace dynamics and the roles of employees. The video presentation will discuss how these changes will lead to a more digitized and efficient work environment. Employees will need to adapt to new workflows and systems, which may initially pose challenges but ultimately result in increased productivity (Bolman & Deal, 2017). The impact on the workplace also extends to job satisfaction and employee engagement. Research has shown that employees who feel supported during times of change are more likely to embrace new technologies and maintain their job satisfaction (Eisenbeiss et al., 2016). To address this, we will implement regular feedback mechanisms and provide resources for employees to seek help and guidance as needed.

Impact on Patients (Clients)

While our focus is on improving internal processes, it is essential to recognize the impact of these changes on our patients or clients. The video presentation will emphasize how technological advancements will enhance the quality of patient care. Electronic records will lead to more accurate and accessible medical histories, reducing the chances of errors and ensuring that patients receive the right treatment at the right time (Linder et al., 2007). Patients will experience improved convenience and accessibility. The adoption of electronic tablets for sign-ins will streamline the check-in process, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall patient experience. Additionally, the use of technology will enable better communication between patients and healthcare providers, allowing for virtual consultations and real-time access to test results.

Measurement of Impact

Measuring the impact of these changes is critical to evaluate their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. The video presentation will explain how we will collect data on key performance indicators, such as patient wait times, error rates, and employee satisfaction surveys. These metrics will help us gauge the success of the technological integration and identify areas that require further refinement (Morgan et al., 2018). Continuous improvement will be a core focus. We will establish regular review meetings to analyze the collected data, identify areas for improvement, and adjust our strategies accordingly. By continuously monitoring our progress, we can ensure that the changes we implement align with our goals of providing high-quality care and improving operational efficiency.

Feedback Mechanism

In the realm of feedback mechanisms, we will implement a multifaceted approach to ensure that employees and clients have ample opportunities to provide input and suggestions regarding the new system. Effective feedback channels are integral to the success of any technological change initiative, as they facilitate the identification of issues, the collection of valuable insights, and the fostering of a culture of continuous improvement. For employees, regular meetings and surveys will serve as the primary means of gathering feedback. These meetings will be conducted at various levels, from departmental team meetings to cross-functional discussions. In these forums, employees will have the chance to voice their opinions, share their experiences, and raise any concerns or challenges they encounter during the transition period. Anonymous surveys will also be administered periodically to encourage honest feedback and ensure that employees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts (Eisenbeiss et al., 2016).

Furthermore, a dedicated feedback portal will be established on the company’s intranet. This portal will allow employees to submit suggestions and feedback at their convenience. It will also provide a platform for sharing success stories and best practices related to the new technologies. To further incentivize participation, we will introduce a recognition program that rewards employees for valuable contributions to the improvement process. On the client side, ensuring that patients (clients) have the means to provide feedback is equally important. To this end, we will create a user-friendly online feedback form accessible through the healthcare facility’s website. Patients can use this form to share their experiences, highlight areas where the new system has improved their care journey, or suggest any enhancements they believe would further enhance their experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as our medium-sized healthcare facility prepares to embrace technological changes mandated by federal regulations, it is imperative that we approach this transformation strategically and proactively. By implementing a thoughtful plan, providing comprehensive training, and fostering open communication, we can navigate these changes successfully. The impact of these changes will not only benefit our employees but, most importantly, our patients. We must continuously measure and adapt to ensure that we are delivering the highest quality of care while staying true to our mission of providing personalized service. With the right approach, we can confidently move forward into this new era of healthcare technology.