Change management: a systematic review on implementing robotic technology in healthcare

摘要

Purpose This study investigates how change management (CM) practices support the adoption of robotic technologies in healthcare. It aims to identify effective implementation strategies and develop a framework tailored to the organisational realities of complex healthcare systems. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review of 44 peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2023 was conducted. Bibliometric analysis was used to map research trends, co-authorship networks and keyword co-occurrences, offering both thematic and structural insights into the field’s evolution. Findings The review highlights the significance of strategic and operational CM practices, such as stakeholder engagement, continuous training and role alignment, in shaping successful implementation. The bibliometric analysis reveals dominant research themes and geographical contributions, offering a contextual understanding of the field’s progression. Drawing on empirical patterns, a novel CM framework is proposed that integrates complexity-informed principles, emphasising co-creation, adaptability and distributed leadership. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to literature published within the last decade and focuses on healthcare robotics. Future research should empirically test the proposed framework across diverse healthcare systems. Practical implications The findings offer actionable insights for healthcare administrators, emphasising the importance of proactive and structured CM strategies to enhance technology adoption and integration. Social implications By addressing resistance and fostering innovation-friendly cultures, this study contributes to improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Originality/value This review uniquely combines bibliometric and systematic methods to advance understanding of CM in healthcare robotics. The proposed framework bridges a gap in the literature by offering actionable, evidence-based guidance for navigating robotic implementation and promoting long-term organisational change in healthcare delivery.