Chapter 2 of Nursing Informatics ( Theories in Nursing Informatics)

A. Change theories

     Computerization of information system involves change, moving from paper-based enivironment to a completely paperless environment. And Change may be unplanned or planned.

1. Roger's Diffusion of Innovation Theory (unplanned change)

   This theory explained on how the people accept the innovations and who are the persons who adopt it. And it was divided into 5 categories:

• Innovators (2.5%)- the one who really adopt the innovation.
• Early adopters (13.5%)- they are respectable opinion leaders who acts as promoters for the innovation.
• Early majority (34%)- They are averse to risk of the innovation but are willing to make safe investments.
• Late majority (34%)- They adopts the innovation because of their peers, not because they are the one who explore the use of innovation.
• Laggards(16%)- They are very stubborn and very suspicious about innovation. In short, they are not really sure about innovation. And may grap those weaknesses that others have failed to recognize.

2. Lewin's Change Theory (planned change)

 It describe the processes that occur in planned change into three stages: Unfreezing, moving and refreezing.

• Unfreezing. Making use of processes that reinforce an individual's involvement in the change. But they respect the opinions of others. And while having this process and reducing the force, they commit to have group norms or psychological defenses.
• Moving. On this stage the anxiety are high. And to be successful this process, it should be guided by the administrator. And the new system should be provided with adequate training.
• Refreezing. The planned change becomes the norm. The users should be confident and feel in control of the new processes. And in order for them to be success to their work, the help system should be always ready to answers and guide the users in appropriate way..