Leadership in action: creating a change in practice

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Practice
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Healthcare environments are rapidly changing, necessitating effective leadership for improved patient outcomes.
• Clinicians face challenges integrating new research findings into daily practice.
• Advanced practice nurses (APNs) possess the clinical expertise and change process knowledge to facilitate practice changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline specific change process steps for APNs to implement in their institutions.
• To highlight the role of APNs as agents of change in healthcare settings.
• To provide a practical example of implementing an intensive insulin drip protocol.

Main Methods:

• The article focuses on the practical application of change management principles.
• It details the steps involved in developing and implementing practice changes.
• A case study of an intensive insulin drip protocol implementation is presented.

Main Results:

• Key elements for successful practice change development and implementation are identified.
• The study emphasizes the APN's strategic position to drive change.
• Understanding the change process empowers APNs to lead effectively.

Conclusions:

• APNs are uniquely positioned to act as agents of change in healthcare.
• Implementing structured change processes can overcome barriers to integrating new knowledge.
• APNs can lead initiatives to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practice adoption.