Healthcare Quarterly

Healthcare Quarterly 12(2) April 2009 : 70-77.doi:10.12927/hcq.2009.20664
Special Focus on HHR

The Application of Change Management Principles to Facilitate the Introduction of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants into Six Ontario Emergency Departments

James Ducharme, Jenny Buckley, Robert Alder and Cindy Pelletier

Abstract

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.

 

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