NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 3 Planning for Community and Organizational Change

Planning for Community and Organizational Change

Planning for community and organizational change in healthcare involves identifying and implementing strategies to improve the delivery of healthcare services within a community or organization. This planning addresses specific healthcare issues or challenges and promotes positive changes that benefit patients, providers, and the community. Some common healthcare issues may be addressed through community and organizational change planning. It includes improving access to care, reducing healthcare disparities, increasing patient satisfaction, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing provider satisfaction and engagement. The planning process may involve collaboration between healthcare providers, patients, community organizations, and policymakers. While using data and evidence-based practices to inform decision-making (Nilsen et al., 2020).

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 3 Planning for Community and Organizational Change

The proposal is for the Jordan community in Minnesota, which lacks basic health facilities. There is an urgent need to develop modern healthcare technology (City of Jordan, Minnesota, n.d.). The proposed technology is telehealth which will be implemented in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital (M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital, n.d.). This proposal will help to identify the barriers and will help to extract essential resources from all stakeholders. 

Benefits and Implications of Telehealth 

The proposed implementation of telehealth in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota offers several benefits and implications for the community (Lokken et al., 2020). Telehealth is a technology-enabled solution that allows remote access to healthcare services, which can have a positive impact on the community in several ways (Butzner & Cuffee, 2021), including:

• Improved Access to Healthcare

Telehealth can improve access to healthcare services for the community by eliminating barriers such as distance and transportation. This is especially important in rural areas with limited or inaccessible healthcare services (Hoffman, 2020).

• Cost-Effective Care

Telehealth can be a cost-effective solution for patients as it reduces travel costs and eliminates the need for time off work. Additionally, it can help reduce healthcare costs for hospitals and insurance providers, leading to reduced healthcare costs for the community (Hoffman, 2020).

• Improved Quality of Care

Telehealth can provide patients with access to specialists and healthcare providers unavailable locally. This can lead to improved quality of care and better patient health outcomes (Hoffman, 2020).

• Increased Patient Satisfaction

Telehealth can improve patient satisfaction by providing convenient and timely access to healthcare services. Patients can access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes, which can improve their overall experience with healthcare (Lokken et al., 2020).

Goals and Outcomes

The implementation of telehealth in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota can have several outcomes that are well-supported by credible evidence, including:

• Telehealth has been shown to increase access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that telehealth improved access to healthcare services for patients in rural areas by 27% (Butzner & Cuffee, 2021).
• Telehealth has been shown to improve the quality of care provided to patients. A study published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare found that telehealth was associated with improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction (Buvik et al., 2018).
• Telehealth is a cost-effective solution for patients, hospitals, and insurance providers. A study published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare found that telehealth reduced healthcare costs by up to 20% (McFarland et al., 2019).

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 3 Planning for Community and Organizational Change

In conclusion, implementing telehealth in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota can have several benefits and implications for the community. The outcomes of this proposed change are well-supported by credible evidence and include increased access to healthcare services, improved quality of care, and cost savings (Hoffman, 2020).

Potential Barriers to Change

Potential barriers to change in an organization or community can arise from various sources, including organizational structure, culture, politics, and resistance to change. Some potential barriers to the implementation of telehealth in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota may include:

• Stakeholders may resist the implementation of telehealth due to concerns about the cost of implementation, potential disruptions to existing systems and workflows, and fears about the impact on patient care (Chike-Harris et al., 2021).
• Lack of funding can hinder the implementation of telehealth in a community. Without adequate financial resources, acquiring the necessary equipment, software, and infrastructure to support telehealth services may be challenging (Anthony Jnr, 2020).
• Implementing telehealth requires new technology and software, which can be difficult for staff to learn and adapt to. In some cases, technological challenges may lead to the failure of the telehealth program (Anthony Jnr, 2020).
• Organizational culture can be a significant barrier to change. In some organizations, there may be resistance to change due to a culture that values tradition and is resistant to new ideas (Anthony Jnr, 2020).
• Regulatory barriers, such as licensing and reimbursement policies, can hinder the implementation of telehealth services. These policies can be complex and vary by state, making it difficult for organizations to navigate (Chike-Harris et al., 2021). by NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 3 Planning for Community and Organizational Change

Causes of Resistance

The causes of resistance to change can be complex and multifaceted. Some reasons that stakeholders may resist the implementation of telehealth in the St. Francis community include the following:

1. As telehealth is a new and emerging technology. The stakeholders may be apprehensive about the potential impact on patient care and outcomes (Jumreornvong et al., 2020).
2. Implementing telehealth may require changes to existing systems and workflows, leading to concerns about losing control and autonomy (Jumreornvong et al., 2020).
3. Some stakeholders may not trust the telehealth technology or believe it can provide the same level of care as in-person visits(Anthony Jnr, 2020).
4. Implementing telehealth may require changes to staffing levels and roles, leading to fears about job loss and insecurity (Anthony Jnr, 2020).

Implementing telehealth in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota may face several potential barriers to change. However, by addressing these barriers and resistance through education, communication, and stakeholder involvement, organizations can successfully implement telehealth services and improve access to care for their communities (Anthony Jnr, 2020).

Change Management Model

Several change management models can assist in analyzing, implementing, and evaluating a change proposal system. Lewin’s Change Management Model is a widely used framework that consists of three stages: unfreezing, changing, and refreezing. These stages help to understand the change process and manage it effectively (Harrison et al., 2021).

Unfreezing

The organization’s current state is analyzed, and the need for change is established. It involves identifying why the current system is no longer effective and what needs to be done to implement the proposed change. In this case, the need for implementing telehealth in M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota would be established (Cone & Unni, 2020).

Changing

In this stage, the actual implementation of the proposed change takes place. The implementation plan is developed, and the change is communicated to all stakeholders. It is essential to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the purpose and benefits of the change. The change can be implemented in phases, and feedback from stakeholders should be collected regularly (Cone & Unni, 2020).

Refreezing

In this stage, the new system is fully integrated into the organization, and the change is institutionalized. The new system is continuously monitored, and any necessary adjustments are made. The change is then fully adopted and becomes the new norm (Cone & Unni, 2020).

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 3 Planning for Community and Organizational Change

It is important to note that communication is a crucial component of change management, and it is essential to involve all stakeholders throughout the change process. Additionally, it is crucial to have a solid implementation plan that is flexible enough to accommodate unexpected challenges that may arise during the implementation stage. Overall, Lewin’s Change Management Model can assist in analyzing, implementing, and evaluating the proposed change of implementing telehealth in M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota. The change can be effectively managed and integrated into the organization by following the three stages of unfreezing, changing, and refreezing (Harrison et al., 2021).

Strategies for Changing Barriers into Opportunities

When implementing a new initiative like telehealth in a community center, it is essential to anticipate and address any potential barriers or conflicts. Here are some strategies for turning barriers into opportunities and resolving conflicts:

• Identify and Understand the Barriers

Conduct research and gather data on potential barriers that may prevent the successful implementation of telehealth in the St. Francis community center. This can include factors such as lack of access to technology, limited internet connectivity, language barriers, or cultural barriers. Understanding the specific barriers can help you develop targeted solutions (Jumreornvong et al., 2020).

• Involve Stakeholders

Involve all relevant stakeholders, including community members, healthcare providers, and local government officials. This can help ensure that everyone has a voice in decision-making and is invested in the initiative’s success. It can also help identify potential conflicts and ways to resolve them (Ortega et al., 2020).

• Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is critical to addressing potential conflicts and turning barriers into opportunities. Keep stakeholders informed throughout the process, and ensure they understand the benefits of telehealth and how it can improve access to healthcare for community members. Be transparent about potential challenges and collaborate to find solutions (Ortega et al., 2020).

• Leverage Existing Resources

Identify existing resources within the community that can support the implementation of telehealth. This can include partnerships with local libraries, community centers, or other organizations with the necessary technology and infrastructure to support telehealth services (Anthony Jnr, 2020).

• Provide Education and Training

Provide education and training to community members, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to ensure they understand how to use telehealth technology effectively. This can include training on how to use videoconferencing software, as well as education on the benefits and limitations of telehealth (Ortega et al., 2020).

• Monitor and Evaluate Progress

Regularly monitor and evaluate the initiative’s progress to identify ongoing barriers or conflicts. Use data and feedback from stakeholders to make necessary adjustments and improvements (Jumreornvong et al., 2020).

• Establish Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

Establish precise conflict resolution mechanisms to address any conflicts that may arise during the implementation of telehealth. This can include establishing a dedicated point of contact for conflict resolution or developing a mediation process (Ortega et al., 2020).

• NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 3 Planning for Community and Organizational Change

When implementing telehealth in the St. Francis community center, involving all relevant stakeholders, communicating effectively, and leveraging existing resources are crucial to turning barriers into opportunities and resolving conflicts. By working collaboratively and addressing potential challenges proactively, you can ensure the initiative’s success and improve access to healthcare for community members (McFarland et al., 2019).

Expected Outcomes and Timeline

Expected outcomes of implementing telehealth in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota include increased access to healthcare for the Jordan community, particularly for patients who may face barriers to in-person care (Jeste et al., 2020). Improved efficiency in the delivery of healthcare services, reducing wait times and streamlining patient care. Enhanced patient satisfaction and engagement, as patients, can access care in a way that is convenient and comfortable for them. Potential cost savings for both the hospital and patients, as telehealth services may be less expensive than traditional in-person care (Cook et al., 2022).

Strategies to Communicate with Stakeholders and Evaluating the Proposed Changed

There are several strategies to communicate with stakeholders and overcome resistance to the change proposal of implementing telehealth in M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota. Diffusion of Innovation Theory suggests that adopting an innovation, such as telehealth, depends on how the innovation is communicated to stakeholders. Identifying key stakeholders and tailoring communication to their needs and concerns is essential to overcome resistance. Communication should highlight the benefits of telehealth, such as increased access to healthcare, reduced costs, and improved patient outcomes. Using early adopters as telehealth advocates can also help overcome resistance (Scarbrough & Kyratsis, 2021).

Stakeholder Theory suggests that stakeholders are critical to the success of any change proposal and that their needs and concerns must be considered. Communication with stakeholders should be transparent, ongoing, and focused on building trust and addressing concerns. In the case of implementing telehealth in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital, communication should focus on how telehealth will benefit the Jordan community while also addressing concerns about privacy and security (Khosravi & Izbirak, 2019).

Stakeholder Communications

Implementing telehealth in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota requires a comprehensive strategy to help organizational stakeholders understand and evaluate the proposed changes to the existing healthcare system. This strategy should begin by identifying the specific information needs of decision-makers. In this case, decision-makers may include board members, hospital administration, and community leaders. These decision-makers must be provided with clear and concise information about telehealth implementation’s benefits, drawbacks, and potential impact (Jumreornvong et al., 2020).

To help stakeholders understand the proposed changes, it is essential to communicate the benefits of telehealth to the organization. Telehealth can help increase access to care, reduce appointment wait times, and provide a more efficient way to provide healthcare services. Additionally, telehealth can reduce healthcare costs, a significant concern for many organizations. According to a report by the National Business Group on Health, telehealth programs can reduce healthcare costs by up to $6 billion annually in the US (Jeste et al., 2020).

On the other hand, there are also potential drawbacks to implementing telehealth. Stakeholders should be informed of these drawbacks and how they can be addressed. For example, there may be concerns about the quality of care provided through telehealth or the privacy and security of patient data. It is essential to address these concerns and provide solutions to ensure that the implementation of telehealth is successful (Ortega et al., 2020).

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 3 Planning for Community and Organizational Change

To evaluate the impact of telehealth implementation, stakeholders should be provided with data and statistics. For example, a National Business Group on Health survey found that 96% of employers plan to offer telehealth services to their employees in 2022 (Cook et al., 2022). To evaluate the proposed change, conducting a pilot study to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of telehealth in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital may be helpful. This could involve gathering feedback from patients and healthcare providers and collecting data on patient satisfaction, appointment wait times, and healthcare outcomes. Additionally, conducting a cost-benefit analysis to determine the potential financial impact of implementing telehealth may be helpful. This could include the cost of equipment and technology, staffing requirements, and potential reimbursement for telehealth services (Ortega et al., 2020).

Data for Decision Makers

Here is some data that decision-makers may find helpful when considering implementing telehealth in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota. Telehealth may boost access to medical care for people who live in distant or remote regions. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the Jordanian community is considered a medically underserved area, meaning residents may face barriers to healthcare services (Minnesota Department of Health, 2019). Studies have shown that patients who use telehealth services are generally satisfied with the experience. In a survey by the American Telemedicine Association, 94% of patients reported being satisfied with their telehealth experience (Hatcher-Martin et al., 2019).

Telehealth can also lead to cost savings for both patients and healthcare providers. According to a study by the American Hospital Association, implementing telehealth services can result in a 19% reduction in hospital admissions and a 25% reduction in emergency department visits (Sun et al., 2020). Implementing telehealth services in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota can help increase access to healthcare, improve patient and provider satisfaction, lead to cost savings, and provide a safe way to deliver healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Budget for the Proposed Change

The startup costs of $318 800 will cover expenses such as acquiring the necessary equipment and technology infrastructure for telehealth services, hiring additional staff, training them, and implementing new workflows and procedures to ensure the effective implementation of telehealth services. The first-year budget of $349, 500 will cover ongoing expenses such as salaries and benefits for telehealth staff, maintenance and upgrades of telehealth equipment and technology, and marketing and outreach to the community to promote the availability and benefits of telehealth services. It is important to note that these budget estimates may vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the hospital and community and may require periodic re-evaluation and adjustment based on the utilization and effectiveness of the telehealth services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, implementing telehealth in the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital for the Jordan community in Minnesota requires a comprehensive strategy to help organizational stakeholders understand and evaluate the proposed changes to the existing healthcare system. This strategy should include identifying the specific information needs of decision-makers, communicating the benefits and drawbacks of telehealth, and providing stakeholders with data and statistics to evaluate the impact of telehealth implementation. By doing so, stakeholders will be better equipped to make informed decisions about the future of healthcare in their community.

References

Anthony Jnr, B. (2020). Implications of telehealth and digital care solutions during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative literature review. Informatics for Health and Social Care, 46(1), 1–16. 

https://doi.org/10.1080/17538157.2020.1839467

Butzner, M., & Cuffee, Y. (2021). Telehealth interventions and outcomes across rural communities in the United States: Narrative review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(8), e29575. 

https://doi.org/10.2196/29575

Buvik, A., Bugge, E., Knutsen, G., Småbrekke, A., & Wilsgaard, T. (2018). Patient satisfaction with remote orthopedic consultation using telemedicine: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 1357633X1878392. 

https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633×18783921

Chike-Harris, K. E., Durham, C., Logan, A., Smith, G., & DuBose-Morris, R. (2021). Integration of telehealth education into the health care provider curriculum: A review. Telemedicine and E-Health, 27(2), 137–149. 

https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2019.0261

City of Jordan, Minnesota. (n.d.). City of Jordan, Minnesota. 

https://jordanmn.gov/

Cone, C., & Unni, E. (2020). Achieving consensus using a modified Delphi Technique embedded in Lewin’s change management model designed to improve faculty satisfaction in a pharmacy school. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 16(12). 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.02.007 

Cook, J., Pittaoulis, M., Alderfer, J., Gilchrist, K., & Sapia, M. (2022). Americans’ awareness of access changes and utilization of telehealth during covid-19: A survey in the United States. Telemedicine and E-Health. 

https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2021.0485

Harrison, R., Fischer, S., Walpola, R. L., Chauhan, A., Babalola, T., Mears, S., & Le-Dao, H. (2021). Where do models for change management, improvement, and implementation meet? A systematic review of the applications of change management models in healthcare. Journal of Healthcare Leadership, Volume 13(13), 85–108. NCBI. 

https://doi.org/10.2147/jhl.s289176 

Hatcher-Martin, J. M., Adams, J. L., Anderson, E. R., Bove, R., Burrus, T. M., Chehrenama, M., Dolan O’Brien, M., Eliashiv, D. S., Erten-Lyons, D., Giesser, B. S., Moo, L. R., Narayanaswami, P., Rossi, M. A., Soni, M., Tariq, N., Tsao, J. W., Vargas, B. B., Vota, S. A., Wessels, S. R., & Planalp, H. (2019). Telemedicine in neurology. Neurology, 10.1212/WNL.0000000000008708. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0000000000008708 

Hoffman, D. A. (2020). Increasing access to care: Telehealth during COVID-19. Journal of Law and the Biosciences, 7(1). 

https://doi.org/10.1093/jlb/lsaa043

Jeste, D. V., Lee, E. E., & Cacioppo, S. (2020). Battling the modern behavioral epidemic of loneliness. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(6). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.0027

Jordan, Minnesota Population 2022 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs). (n.d.). Worldpopulationreview.com. 

https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/jordan-mn-population

Jumreornvong, O., Yang, E., Race, J., & Appel, J. (2020). Telemedicine and medical education in the age of COVID-19. Academic Medicine, 95(12), 1838–1843. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000003711

Khosravi, F., & Izbirak, G. (2019). A stakeholder perspective of social sustainability measurement in healthcare supply chain management. Sustainable Cities and Society, 50, 101681. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2019.101681 

Lokken, T. G., Blegen, R. N., Hoff, M. D., & Demaerschalk, B. M. (2020). Overview for implementation of telemedicine services in a large integrated multispecialty health care system. Telemedicine and E-Health, 26(4), 382–387. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2019.0079

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McFarland, S., Coufopolous, A., & Lycett, D. (2019). The effect of telehealth versus usual care for home-care patients with long-term conditions: A  systematic review, meta-analysis, and qualitative synthesis. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 1357633X1986295. 

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Nilsen, P., Seing, I., Ericsson, C., Birken, S. A., & Schildmeijer, K. (2020). Characteristics of successful changes in health care organizations: An interview study with physicians, registered nurses, and assistant nurses. BMC Health Services Research, 20(1). https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-020-4999-8

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Appendix A: Grant Proposal

Need Statement

The Jordan community in Minnesota lacks adequate access to healthcare services due to the unavailability of adequate healthcare facilities and long travel distances. The lack of access to healthcare facilities hurts the health of the community members, leading to increased chronic diseases, preventable illnesses, and mental health issues (Resources for Residents, 2021).

The Jordan community, with approximately 7000, predominantly comprises low-income families and elderly individuals. Transportation challenges, language barriers, and limited healthcare resources exacerbate the lack of healthcare access (Jordan, Minnesota Population 2022 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs), n.d.). The main barriers to implementing the telehealth initiative in the Jordan community are a lack of technological infrastructure, limited internet connectivity, low digital literacy, and limited availability of qualified healthcare professionals. 

The information that defines the need for this change includes community surveys, health assessments, and focus groups with community members, healthcare providers, and local stakeholders. Several change initiatives and studies have been conducted to address the healthcare access challenges in the Jordan community. However, there is still a need for additional efforts to improve healthcare access.

Program Description

To enhance the Jordanian community’s utilization of healthcare, the change initiative proposed involves the implementation of telehealth services. The program will provide remote healthcare services, such as virtual consultations and telemedicine appointments, to community members using advanced telecommunication technology (Ortega et al., 2020).

Goals and Objectives

The telehealth initiative aims to improve the Jordan community’s healthcare access and health outcomes. The objectives of the program include the following:

• Increase the number of patients who receive healthcare services
• Reduce healthcare costs for patients
• Improve patient satisfaction with healthcare services
• Increase access to specialty healthcare services
• Improve the health outcomes of community members (Anthony Jnr, 2020)

Program Evaluation

An oversight committee comprising community members, healthcare providers, and local stakeholders will evaluate the telehealth initiative. The evaluation will be conducted periodically to assess the program’s effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and healthcare outcomes. The evaluation reports will be shared with the funding agency, community members, and other stakeholders (Ortega et al., 2020).

Stakeholder Involvement

The evaluation process will involve extensive stakeholder involvement, including community members, healthcare providers, and local organizations. This will ensure that the program aligns with the community’s needs and provides high-quality healthcare services (Buvik et al., 2018).

Summary

The lack of healthcare access in the Jordan community has harmed the health of community members. Implementing telehealth services will address this problem and improve healthcare access and outcomes for the community. This program’s success depends on the funding organization’s financial support because the goals and objectives of this change initiative are in line with their own. We thank the funding agency for considering and supporting this initiative (Jumreornvong et al., 2020).

Appendix B: Project Budget