Technological Change and its Effects on Players/Stakeholders in Healthcare

Theory Paper
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Due Date Theory Paper Healthcare institutions are constantly searching for ways to improve care delivery and meet clients’ expectations. As a result, technology integration has become a significant proportion of this ambition because it brings efficiency and safety. Ghersi et al. (2018) indicate that incorporating technological advancement in diverse healthcare settings increases the quality of care. However, embracing these changes requires consideration of other dynamics and the response of various stakeholders. These elements relate to the discussions about change explored by Sewell (n.d.) using different change theories to demonstrate how individuals react to alternations of standard operations in their work environment. I have experienced similar aspects during change initiation while working in a rehab facility as a healthcare provider. Technological Change and Its Effect on Players/Stakeholders Within the Organization A short-term rehab facility where I worked recently had not integrated technology into a significant proportion of its operations. For instance, the institution continued to use the traditional mechanical beds with minimum advanced functions for its patients. These beds were consistent with the ones that Ghersi et al. (2018) describe as insufficient to assist both the clients and healthcare providers in improving the quality of care. They had not changed consistently to change social-economic, structural, and functional demands in care centers. As a result, the establishment suffered worrying patients’ fall rates that diminished care quality. Even after implementing rounding intervals to minimize the falls, this persistent problem triggered a rise in decubitus ulcers, causing alarm among the healthcare providers. The gravity of the situation birthed investing in smart beds to solve the crisis. According to Ghersi et al. (2018), integrate numerous functions that drastically increase the capacity to eliminate falls and ulcer development. Thus, this change was fundamental and progressive in the facility. The integration of smart beds affected the different players and stakeholders in the short-term rehab institutions differently. For instance, it assisted the nurses in refining their patient monitoring practices because of the alarm systems present in the beds. Ghersi et al. (2018) indicate that they use sensors to ensure prompt alerts to relevant persons about the patients’ mobility. As a result, the technological switch positively affected the nurses. It also induced a similar effect on the patients because of the improved services throughout their stay. Other stakeholders involved include the routine support staff and the administration because it dampened the concerning statistics related to falls and ulcers. Theoretical Application The events in the facility reflect the embracement of the technology process discussed through Rogers’s diffusion of innovation theory. The model demonstrates innovation acceptance patterns in populations and the associated decision-making. Considering that smart beds have been present in the market for years, as described by Ghersi et al. (2018), one ...