1. Would you consider local community colleges and universities a stakeholder in your change project? Why or why not?

2 ST). According to Pandi-Perumal et al. (2015), stakeholder involvement is essential because community health research projects are inherently complex and need the involvement of patients and other stakeholders in the center of the research process. Stakeholders are an individual, group, or organization that may affect, be affected by, or by a decision, activity, or outcome of a project, and they include the customers, suppliers, the general public, and any other related groups (Pandi-Perumal et a., 2015). It is necessary to have the support from stakeholders because the ultimate outcome of the proposed change is to improve the patient care, and they have the right to make the best decisions about their health care (Pandi-Perumal et al., 2015). According to the researchers, research and program processed should be supported by patients because they are the ones most directly affected by proposals, and their involvement will result in enhanced effective outcomes. Meeting the stakeholders’ expectations increases the success of the change proposal by enabling them to be active supporters of the project, reducing issues and barriers, and limiting disruptions in the project (Pandi-Perumal et a., 2015).

Building a culture of health within a community requires all the relevant stakeholders’ engagement, and their active participation improves the overall health in the communities (Heath, 2017). In order for the change proposal to be successful, it is necessary to create a culture within the community including patients, organizations, and other stakeholders to put a value on the health and wellbeing of the community together (Heath, 2017). I will make sure to keep professional and vigilant about any obstacles and barriers while working with my preceptor to secure the support from any stakeholders.
3. TW. When there are multiple people that share the same interest such as implementing a project, such has having stakeholder support and involvement, a lot can be done compared to just only with one person involved. Stakeholder is defined as “any group or individual who can affect or is affected by the achievement of the organization’s objectives.” (Pandi-Perumal, 2015) Having stakeholder support can benefit in multiple ways. For example, each stakeholder that is involved can individually bring their own perspective, knowledge, opinions and feedback that can help the implementation of the project be successful.

Regardless of what you do in life, communication will also be an important factor and especially with attempting to secure support from internal and external stakeholders. It is also important that when communicating with stakeholders that you are keeping them engaged, involved, giving them a clear understanding of their position and keeping them informed with all details regarding the plan. “Stakeholder engagement is a process of building relationship through communications and shared decision-making about study topic selection, data collection and analysis, as well as interpretation and dissemination of research findings.” (Kim, et al., 2018)