Change processes to transform health professions education: A medical education conference organized by the Educational Innovation Institute of the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University and hosted on Twitter.

Abstract

BackgroundWithin the steady stream of innovations and reforms to medical education curriculum lies the commonality of change management. Change management is a complex, multifactorial construct that can either ensure the success or prevent the adoption of an innovation. Furthermore, change management is a process rather than an event. As such, it is critical to integrate longitudinal, systematic evaluation and organizational support into the implementation strategy for any innovation.PurposeThe purpose of this innovation was to support the implementation of a curriculum redesign at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). This rigorous study used a validated framework, the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM), to measure the change management process. The purpose of this study was to both document and disseminate benchmarks and developments for other medical colleges embarking on curriculum reform, but, more importantly, to use the data collected during the study to support and refine the change management process at MCG.ResultsTwo years of data have been collected in each of the diagnostic dimensions, and the results have been reported to stakeholders at MCG. As a result, changes have been made to the implementation process.