I am working on a presentation for a national healthcare conference in March. The focus is how and why the leadership model in long term care facilities must change when the institutional model is changed to the household model. I believe that a certain process must take place prior to initiating a successful leadership model such as “self directed work teams”. The process I like to use is the Prosci change management process. With this model you will know up front if you have the right people in place to carry out your plan. The Prosci model includes 5 steps:
The 1st step to enable a change is to create awareness of the need for change. Team members need to be aware of and understand the nature of the change. Awareness of the weakness in the old ways of the institutional nursing home model and the strength of the new house hold model is essential to building the platform for what is to come.
Desire is the second step. Desire represents the motivation and support of the need to change. This step will quickly help you determine who you want on your team. Building awareness does not automatically create desire. Understanding the underlying factors that influence a desire to change is an important step. Desire to support and participate in change is many times determined by what is in it for the individual and the expectation of the success of the change.
Knowledge is the how. Knowledge must include: training and education, detailed information and the understanding of the new roles. Understanding how to change can be a simple process or a total transformation in thinking. Change can’t be successful without the capacity, resources and access to the information needed to create the leadership model desired.
Next is ability. A demonstrated capability to implement change and achieve the desired performance level is critical. Some employees may never develop the required abilities. When this step is achieved the change is visible in action. When transforming a nursing home into the model of the future, we must have qualified staff capable of performing a variety of jobs. Building a home that is comfortable and safe takes a special ability.
Finally, reinforcement is essential for continued results. Recognition and rewards are great reinforcement tools. Most people know when they have succeeded but recognition lets them know that what they have done is important.
The future of long term care is resident directed care. When these steps are achieved I believe that the self-directed work team model will be easy to implement. A staff that is involved and accountable makes a healthier and friendlier environment.
