Help! Working with change: An organizational change process model and online registry of resources

Abstract

Abstract Background The health system is continuously undergoing change in response to various internal and external drivers. The organizational change literature is complex and multi-disciplinary, making it challenging for health professionals to utilize efficiently. To support practitioners through times of change, The National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT) developed a health sector-specific model of organizational change, by synthesizing existing models and frameworks, and developed an online registry of resources to help guide practitioners through the change process. Objectives Existing change process models were identified through a scoping review of reviews published from 2000-2015, supplemental searches using a snowball method, and contact with key informants. A thematic analysis identified key themes and activities. To support the use of the model, a search of the academic and grey literature was conducted to identify practical organizational change tools. Resources were tagged with specific stages in the model and added to an online interactive Registry. The online Registry is available for practitioners to gain knowledge and understanding of processes of change relevant to the health sector, identify facilitators and barriers to change, and use methods and tools to support practitioners throughout the change process. Results A total of 30 organizational change process models were identified and synthesized to create a new five-stage model: assessing the NEED for change; PLANning for change; IMPLEMENTing change initiatives; SUSTAINing change within the organization; and EVOLVing to continuously meet drivers for change. The easy to use and interactive platform hosts over 100 practical tools linked to stages in the model to support organization and systems change. Conclusions This new resource will support the implementation of evidence-informed practices, policies and programs in public health and the broader health care system. Key messages The health system is continuously undergoing change and can be challenging to navigate. A health sector-specific organizational change process model and online registry of resources can help guide public health professionals throughout the change process.