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Coping with health care reform.
H van Eyk1, F Baum, G Houghton
1Department of Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia.
Summary
Continuous health service reform without clear vision causes "reform fatigue" and low morale among healthcare providers. Action research can support organizational learning and adaptation during change.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Organizational Psychology
Background:
- Health service reform initiatives are common globally.
- Evaluating the impact of these reforms on healthcare providers is crucial for successful implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a health service reform case study in southern Adelaide.
- To understand healthcare providers' perceptions and experiences of the reform process.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mixed-methods approach including mail surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
- Employed an action research methodology to facilitate understanding and support.
Main Results:
- Identified 'reform fatigue' and decreased morale due to continual, vision-less change.
- Highlighted the positive impact of action research in supporting staff and managers.
Conclusions:
- Health service reform requires a clear vision to prevent negative impacts on staff.
- Action research can be a valuable tool for navigating complex organizational change and fostering learning within the health system.