Organizational Change in Health and Medicine

Organizational change concerns the alteration of operations within an institution. It typically is prompted by circumstances and situations encountered in external and internal environments, with organizations maneuvering themselves in a manner to accommodate or adjust to these influences. Great skill is required to proficiently address change in healthcare organizations. At face value, change-related activities in institutions might seem to be somewhat problem-free endeavors, but that is not the case. In fact, change is almost universally described as being difficult. Success requires intensive knowledge of change processes, keen surveillance abilities, problem-solving prowess, and implementation acumen, among many other things. Since change is a pervasive and enduring feature of organizational life, healthcare managers cannot evade responsibilities for handling change. Its level of prominence is so pronounced that many institutions seek to proactively guide and direct change initiatives by engaging in a formal process known as change management. Given the perpetual change associated with the healthcare industry and its many establishments, health and medical providers must endeavor to develop skill sets that help them to navigate this tumultuous environment. This chapter sheds light on change in health and medical organizations, aiding healthcare providers in understanding its impact and management.