As has been discussed as of late, IMHO that IC is not a great choice, but hey, you gots to use, what you gots to use I guess.
Would it be possible to just use another IC without changing the design of the circuit board or any other parts? this would be great because it would not only be less work, but I wouldnt have to design a new pcb as well.
not easily, it depends on the pinout of the ic's you wish to substitute if they are the same (same function from each pin) it would be possible but i doubt they are.
it would be possible to make another board that sat ontop and altered the pinout though, kinda like an adapter, thats a lot of work for not much gain though.