Introduction
Improving patient safety has been one of my priorities in life. Consequently, I have taken a great interest in projects that promote patient safety. Therefore, I introduced a change in my organization as a way of improving the quality of service to patients. Experience drawn from implementing change transformed me into a perfectionist. This paper will reflect on my experience in implementing change (Pavlovich 2007).
Implementing change project
My experience in implementing change was quite amazing. In fact, I enjoyed my time throughout the project. In addition, I learned valuable skills in implementing change. Throughout my life, I always sought to implement changes that would improve the quality of service provided to patients. In addition, I sought to implement changes that would improve patient safety. Moreover, I was always ready and enthusiastic about learning new ways of improving service delivery to my patients. My main obstacle in achieving change was the fact that I lacked the necessary tools and skills for effecting change. In fact, it is necessary to note that my reason for joining this course was to aid me in acquiring the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to effect positive change in my organization. One of the problems that faced my organization was patient safety issues. For instance, our dental clinics had insufficient facilities and tools to provide quality service to patients; this affected patient safety in many ways. This program was therefore significant in providing me with the tools that focused on areas that required change in my organization. In essence, this program was essential as well as beneficial to me (Nilakant & Ramnarayan 2006).
Stages of implementing change
The process of implementing change occurred in four main stages namely topic selection, project planning, project implementation, and project evaluation. It is necessary to note that I learned a lot from each of these stages. In the first stage, I selected a topic that would work to improve compliance with infection control standards in our dental clinics. My aim was to ensure that our dental clinics comply with the internationally accepted standards on infection control. Moreover, my objective was to develop an infection control program that would improve the quality of service in the clinics. However, one of the challenges I faced in trying to achieve the objective was a limited time which could not enable me to develop the program. Nonetheless, our facilitator helped me to make my objective SMART (subjective, manageable, achievable, realistic, and time-related). The SMART objective I chose focused on improving infection control through staff training and staff education (CDC 2013).
The second stage involved project planning. Firstly, I went through relevant literature on the topic with a view to developing an effective plan. In addition, I conducted research on various sources to aid me in planning for the project. Conducting research on the project was helpful in introducing me to the best practices in infection control. Through research, I learned valuable information on infection control. Moreover, the knowledge I got from this stage enabled me to implement a system for staff education on infection control based on evidence-based practice. Furthermore, I learned to institute staff education on best practices in infection control. However, I also had diverging views based on varying information on infection control education. Nonetheless, I went through the project and I discovered that it gave the best approach. In this stage, I also learned to appreciate leadership support in projects. For instance, engaging leaders in the project enabled me to reach my project milestones easily.
Leadership also aided me with the necessary resources to plan my project. Interestingly, this stage enlightened me on the significance of teamwork in the change project. In fact, my team cooperated well with me throughout the processes of the project. In addition, teamwork was essential in improving my communication skills as well as interpersonal relation skills. I also learned to listen to others as well as communicate my ideas. It is worth mentioning that one of the members of my team helped by translating lecture notes as well as reading materials into the Arabic language; this was quite helpful to the Arabic staff. This was a special gift, which saved us the energy and resources we would have used to hire translators. In fact, the team member’s contribution made our work easier in educating Arabic staff (DuBrin 2007).
The third stage was on project implementation. This stage exposed the challenges faced in effecting change. Moreover, I realized that the key to changing an organization is to change its staff. However, it is necessary to note that I faced some resistance in effecting this change. For instance, some dentists thought that procedures in infection control would take long and hence affect interfere with their work. This was especially evident with mature dentists. However, despite these upheavals, we managed to succeed through effective communication and the use of authority whenever it was needed. It is also necessary to note that inadequate materials also hindered the effective implementation of the project. For instance, we asked for a weekly check on the reliability of our autoclaves to kill microorganisms but this did not happen effectively since we lacked the necessary materials to achieve it. In fact, despite my three letters that requested the materials we never got them.
The last stage involved project evaluation. At this stage, I noticed positive changes in the organization. This stage was quite enjoyable since we could observe the fruits of our labor. In fact, our staff made remarkable steps by following the standards we had adopted. Moreover, some participants amazed us by going beyond our standards. Despite insufficient time to go through the project, due to job shifts and family issues, support from the project team enabled me to complete it. In addition, my family was also instrumental in helping me to achieve success in the project.
Challenges
Managing time was quite difficult. In fact, at times I had to visit five clinics as well as evaluate staff performance. Moreover, I had to take a break from my job to supervise staff performance. Furthermore, I had to negotiate with suppliers over materials for the project. Therefore, I made several trips to the director of supplies to emphasize the importance of materials in enhancing patient and staff safety. This enabled me to secure some of the materials for the project. Initially, the director of supplies thought that use of glasses by staff assisting dentists was inconsequential. However, I outlined the dangers of not using glasses for staff safety (Robbins, Judge & Campbell 2010).
Benefits
As expected, the project introduced a change in the organization. Moreover, the project helped in strengthening the role of the infection control committee which was absent before the project. The project increased staff awareness on infection control in all departments of the organization. Moreover, we achieved our goal of adopting infection control standards. It is also necessary to note that we achieved 80 % compliance with the requirement to adopt four infection control standards this year alone. Moreover, the project helped to increase the number of materials to staff. For instance, we increased the number of handpieces to ensure that staff used one hand piece per patient.
Conclusion
The whole experience was beneficial to me in various ways. Firstly, the project enabled me to succeed as a departmental head in my organization. Moreover, I managed to develop a strong relationship with dental staff as well as external organizations that I interacted with during the project. The project improved my leadership and management skills. Moreover, I learned the significance of teamwork in projects as well as the impact of implementing change. I also learned to listen to staff ideas, which made them feel like they were part of the process of change. Listening to staff also enabled me to ease their problems, which strengthened us as a team. Furthermore, working in groups, during the modules, also helped me to listen to new ideas and feedback. I also learned that although it is usually difficult to welcome criticism, it helps to improve performance. I was also pleased to hear about how our action group members went about their projects despite the obstacles they faced. This helped me to overcome obstacles in the project. In essence, this experience was both valuable and enjoyable to me. Moreover, I now feel ready and energised to start a new change project in my organization.
Reference List
CDC 2013, Infection control in dental Settings: Guidelines and recommendations, Web.
DuBrin, J 2007, Leadership: Research findings, practice and skills. Houghton Miffin, Boston.
Nilakant, V & Ramnarayan, S 2006, Change management: Altering mindsets in a global context. Sage Publications Inc., London.
Pavlovich, K 2007, ‘The Development of reflective practice through student journals’, Higher Education Research & Development, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 281-295.
Robbins, S, Judge T, & Campbell, T 2010, Organizational behavior, Pearson, London.