Why is change necessary in a healthcare setting, according to a nurse manager?

In a healthcare setting, change is often driven by the need to improve quality and safety. Nurse managers recognize that the landscape of healthcare is constantly evolving due to advancements in technology, shifts in patient demographics, and emerging clinical evidence. Implementing change can enhance patient outcomes, streamline processes, and integrate best practices that ensure a high standard of care.

The focus on quality and safety reflects a commitment to patient-centered care, where the ultimate goal is to provide the best possible outcomes for patients. By prioritizing change in this way, organizations are better equipped to adapt to challenges and continually improve the services they provide.

While complying with regulations is indeed important, it is often a direct result of the broader goal to improve quality and safety. Change to adhere to regulations may be necessary, but it might not encompass the proactive drive for enhanced patient care that changes aimed at quality improvement would. Reducing costs is also a consideration in changing practices, but it should not overshadow the primary objective of ensuring safe and effective care delivery. Maintaining tradition in practice typically runs counter to the dynamic nature of healthcare that necessitates ongoing change and adaptation.