Toward a Model for Risks of Change Management Process in Teaching Hospitals

Introduction: Teaching Hospitals are constantly confronted with environmental changes that are forcing them to implement change management. However, there are risks that make this process unsuccessful. Therefore, the purpose of this study was explanation of the model of change management process risks in the teaching hospitals. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted through grounded theory using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 14 managers and faculty members of teaching hospitals who participated in at least one change management project in the hospital in 2019. In this study, targeted sampling was used. Data analysis was performed by substantive coding method (including open coding and selective coding) and theoretical coding using MAXQDA software.  Results:  The risks of the change management process in teaching hospitals include the risks of planning, executing, and maintaining the change. The causes that lead to these risks include causes related to problem recognition, planning and human resource management. The consequences of risks include three categories of consequences related to time, process and goals of change. Finally, risk exposure strategies are divided into five categories of strategies related to planning, implementation and monitoring. Conclusion: This study helps managers of teaching hospitals to identify the risks before the change management process failed. Then, effectively address these risks with strategies that fundamentally target the causes of the risks.