Telehealth Project and Change Curve Model
In order to implement the telehealth project aimed at the involvement of registered nurses in the provision of telehealth services, it is possible to employ the change curve model. This framework implies the division of the process of organizational change into such stages as stagnation, preparation, implementation, determination, and fruition (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). When implementing the project, preparation and implementation will be central stages, during which the change agent will articulate the need for change, its benefits, and particular steps to undertake. During the stagnation and preparation stage, employees will be provided with a detailed description of the project and its potential outcomes. The employees will also be informed about the benefits of each stakeholder during the implementation stage. When implementing the project, the benefits for registered nurses will be empowerment, and the outcomes for advanced nurses will be less workload. The determination stage will be successfully passed if the change agent and the members of the change team articulate all the positive changes and achievements. Finally, the fruition stage will start when nurses are involved in the provision of telehealth services and collaborate with other health care professionals effectively.
Enhancing Application of EB Solutions/Recommendation by the Model
The model of change mentioned above can facilitate the effective implementation of the project. Communication should have slightly different focuses during the major stages of the change process (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). Initially, it is important to identify the reasons for the existing stagnation, which are advanced nurses’ overload, registered nurses’ lack of resources and opportunities. During the preparation stage, it is critical to provide all the details of the project with the most comprehensive guidelines. The implementation stage communication will be characterized by the focus on particular benefits for each group (especially registered nurses and advanced nurses). Registered nurses should expect empowerment that will enable them to provide high-quality care and develop proper relationships with patients. The determination stage should be associated with the dissemination of information regarding achievements and success stories. Finally, during the fruition stage, high-achievers will be awarded, and the data regarding these successes and awards will be disseminated as well.
Roadblocks to Change Implementation
The major roadblock will be stakeholders’ resistance to change as people tend to preserve the status quo. Since registered nurses will be involved in the provision of telehealth services (new tasks), they may feel overloaded. Finally, the lack of resources (staff and technology shortage facility and limited access to technology among some groups of patients) can be serious challenges.
Essential Elements for Successful Change
This project can be characterized by adherence to the essential element of change. The associated vision is to improve the quality of provided care by increasing the cost-effectiveness of practices and empowerment of the staff. The goals include the involvement of registered nurses in the provision of telehealth services and the creation of collaborative culture. Through effective communication, the change agent will create the belief that the empowerment of registered nurses and the decreased workload of advanced nurses will lead to fewer medical errors, enhanced performance, job satisfaction, and better patient outcomes.
Ideas for Disseminating Information
Personal communication is essential for developing this belief and making people more willing to participate in change implementation more actively. Corresponding discussions must be held during regular rounds, meetings, and other gatherings. More detailed information will be disseminated in the form of memos, leaflets, reminders, and reports, which will make progress and achievements, as well as areas to pay attention to, more visible.
Reference
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2015). Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare (3rd ed.). Wolters Kluwer.