World’s first change management framework

Dubai Health Authority has designed the first comprehensive healthcare change management framework in the world and is currently highlighting this framework at international conferences.

This is yet another first for the emirate and the idea behind this framework is to have a structured three-year change management road map to help uplift the health sector and create a stimulating and motivating environment for employees.

Patient care and satisfaction are at the heart of this framework and DHA officials said that patients will be able to witness noticeable improvements in the quality of health services within a year from today.

Factors such as waiting time, appointment systems and empowering patients with digital tools such as apps will be part of the changes the community can expect.
The transformation framework is one of the components of the overall change management programme at the authority.

The other pillars of the programme include the Awtaad initiative, which will qualify more than 180 DHA employees in change management and culture transformation.

The initiative began in May, with 52 out of 383 applicants selected. Of those, 48 graduated; they are now change agents to help the authority achieve its goals in change management transformation. 

“The healthcare transformation journey is important to create a stimulating and motivating environment for employees as well as to provide patients with the highest-quality of patient centric care and convenience,” said His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Director General of DHA. “Change management is an effective mechanism to achieve both these goals in the fastest and most organised manner.”

The authority will implement several change management mechanisms that include training and education, stakeholder and community engagement.

“Change Management addresses the cultural changes that are essential throughout the life of any healthcare organisation,” explained Dr Mohammed Al Redha, Director of Project Management Office.

“The development of the framework was the first step, now we will move towards implementation. It is a three-year project. Over the course of this period we will implement and measure a number of programmes to help achieve improvements in organisational processes, methodology, healthcare provision, patient care and satisfaction.”

He said the core of the transformation strategy is to ensure better patient outcomes and contribute to improved health in the wider community. “Change management is necessary for all organisations and the way forward to achieve effective management and optimal services.”

DHA will also carry out a culture assessment and transformation process as part of the overall transformation journey.