The ability to effectively plan, manage and measure change is key to continuous improvement. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are an effective way to measure the effectiveness of change management. It is important to select only a few KPI’s to start. Measuring too many outcomes can lead to a lack of focus on the areas of greatest importance. Over time, additional KPI’s should be added to investigate the deeper impact of the changes implemented. Three main categories should be monitored:
Once a change is implemented, change management practices need to continue. According to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (2018), “while all change does not lead to improvement, all improvement requires change.” Ownership and a commitment to continuously improving will require an ongoing sense of urgency and attention.
There is nothing full-proof when it comes to making changes. The biggest challenges for any organization is resistance to change and alignment. No matter what approach you take to implement change, there always needs to be a way to measure the success of process or change implementation.