Breaking down cultural barriers to effective change in healthcare

Abstract

Change management can be challenging and intimidating for anyone, but it is especially true in healthcare. Long-standing processes and skill sets are in place to provide clear direction and help save lives. Nevertheless, change is not only possible, it is mandatory in an environment where the landscape is continuously changing and new technology tools are constantly emerging. Effective change requires the right combination of people, process and technology. From our experience working with hundreds of healthcare organisations to help them manage change and implement high-reliability cultures, a lack of a formal approach to change management to sustain the gains of process improvement is by far the most common Achilles’ heel. This paper reviews best practices for healthcare leaders to consider and adopt as they seek to realise cultural transformation in their organisations.