Change Management Strategies for Seamless Adoption of Digital Healthcare Solutions in the Healthcare Industry

Abstract

This thesis examined the integration of digital health technologies within healthcare systems, focusing on identifying and overcoming barriers through effective change management. Despite the potential of digital health technologies to enhance healthcare delivery and efficiency, their integration faces significant challenges, including resistance to change, technological adaptation issues, and regulatory complexities. By employing a qualitative research methodology and conducting semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals from Germany and Sweden, this study explored these challenges in depth. The findings revealed that successful integration requires tailored change management strategies that address specific organizational, cultural and training-related barriers. Informed by the findings and existing literature, this research proposed a comprehensive change management framework designed to guide healthcare organizations through the complexities of digital transformation. The framework starts by establishing a clear vision and strategy and involves end-user participation in tool selection, creation of cross-functional support teams, and awareness building. The process continues with resistance management, peer-to-peer and dynamic training, and concludes with ongoing support and sustained change efforts. This framework not only facilitates the practical implementation of digital health solutions but also contributes significantly to the academic and practical understanding of change management in healthcare, offering a strategic pathway for organizations aiming to successfully adopt digital health technologies.