Change and Innovation in Hospitals: Theory and Practice

Abstract

Organizational change within a hospital setting, specifically the development of a pharmacy based clinical pharmacokinetic dosing service, (CPDS), is examined. An organizational model is presented which will help to predict the success and acceptance of this new service in other organizational settings. General characteristics of organizations and comprehensive review of organizational theory and organizational behavior are presented to establish a theoretical framework for understanding organizational change. A discussion of the classical organizational theorists, factors involved in individual and group behavior, organizational structure, and organizational change are included. The study of hospitals as organizations is discussed. The CPDS case study model is developed by focusing on Hurley Medical Center and the department m which the service was developed. Hurley Medical Center's organizational characteristics which impacted on the program’s development is discussed.