The application of change management principles to facilitate the introduction of nurse practitioners and physician assistants into six Ontario emergency departments.
In a project funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, MedEmerg facilitated the introduction of three new providers into six emergency departments. A managed change process that included team development was carried out. Increased team awareness and a higher acceptance of the provider roles were some of the key successes. Challenges included role confusion and the learning curve for the new providers. While overall the project was a success, lessons learned included the need for physician buy-in, communication, planning for unintended consequences and management of expectations. The project emphasized the importance of a managed process, including team development, in the implementation of change.
Ducharme
James
J
MedEmerg International Ltd. in Mississauga, and a clinical professor of medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
Buckley
Jenny
J
Alder
Robert
R
Pelletier
Cindy
C
D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009864:Ontario; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010820:Physicians / Q000458:organization & administration; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration; D000078329:Workforce