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

Oguntoyinbo, Seun; Barazi, Rana; Leon, Marianthi; Western, David

Abstract

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.
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.
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.
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.
The findings offer actionable insights for healthcare administrators, emphasising the importance of proactive and structured CM strategies to enhance technology adoption and integration.
By addressing resistance and fostering innovation-friendly cultures, this study contributes to improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
This review combines systematic review with bibliometric analysis to deliver a comprehensive understanding of CM in healthcare robotics. The proposed framework bridges critical gaps in the literature, offering actionable guidance for healthcare leaders to enhance the adoption of robotic technologies, improve operational efficiency, and foster innovation in patient care.

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: May 19, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jul 3, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jun 12, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 4, 2025
• Print ISSN: 0953-4814
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-01-2025-0041
• Keywords: change management; organisational change; systematic review; bibliometric analysis
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14559182