Discussion: Spreading Innovation
An organization may be generally amenable to innovations but not ready or willing to assimilate a particular [Evidence-Based Practice] EBP …If there is tension around specific work or clinical issues and staff perceive that the situation is intolerable, a potential EBP is likely to be assimilated if it can successfully address the issues and thereby reduce the tension.
—Titler, 2010
Adoption of evidence-based innovations in nursing practice is a critical facet of promoting quality and safety. As a nurse leader-manager, you play a pivotal role in evaluating these innovations and promoting those that will positively impact outcomes.
To prepare:
Review the information on diffusion of innovation presented in the Learning Resources.
Visit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Qualities’ Innovation Exchange website (listed in the Learning Resources). Click on “Innovations & Quality Tools” or “Browse by Subject” then read through a selection of descriptions of innovations.
Evaluate how each of these innovations addresses a problem, and determine if you could integrate the innovation (or a similar one) into your organization or one with which you are familiar.
Select one of the innovations on which to focus for this Discussion. Think about how you might introduce this innovation in your selected organization, and strategies that you might use to facilitate communication and engagement needed to sustain the innovation.
Post a detailed review of one innovation that you found of particular interest on the AHRQ Innovation Exchange. Explain the problem being addressed, the innovation, and the outcomes and how you might introduce a similar innovation in your organization or one with which you are familiar. Outline strategies you would employ to sustain the innovation.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days using one or more of the following approaches:
Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information or research.
Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
Validate an idea with your own experience and additional resources.
Required Readings
Pedersen, A. R., & Johansen, M. B. (2012). Strategic and everyday innovative narratives: Translating ideas into everyday life in organizations. Innovation Journal, 17(1), 2–18.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
This article focuses on the implementation process for turning innovations into everyday practice.
Titler, M. G. (2010). Translation science and context. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice: An International Journal, 24(1), 35–55.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
The author examines the challenges of adopting innovations, such as evidence-based practices, and asserts that a systems view is needed to translation science into complex contexts.
Burns, M. J., Craig, R. B., Friedman, B. D., Schott, P. D., & Senot, C. (2011). Transforming enterprise communications through the blending of social networking and unified communications. Bell Labs Technical Journal, 16(1), 19–34.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Social media is a tool for creating and organizing collective knowledge. This article outlines one company’s experience using social media tools as a part of the corporate culture.
Dückers, M. A., Wagner, C., Vos, L., & Groenewegen, P. P. (2011). Understanding organisational development, sustainability, and diffusion of innovations within hospitals participating in a multilevel quality collaborative. Implementation Science, 6(1), 18–27.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
The ability to spread knowledge throughout an entire team is paramount in creating a successful team dynamic. This article outlines one study completed in the Netherlands focused on diffusing information and sustaining innovation.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2012). AHRQ health care innovations exchange. Retrieved from
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website is a clearinghouse for innovative practice within the healthcare field. Review the information on this site as it relates to this week’s focus. (Assigned in a previous week.)
Expert Solution Preview
One innovation that I found particularly interesting on the AHRQ Innovation Exchange is the use of telehealth technology to provide remote patient monitoring and management. This innovation addresses the problem of limited access to healthcare services, especially for patients who live in rural or underserved areas. Telehealth technology allows healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients’ vital signs, symptoms, and overall health status, and provide necessary interventions or adjustments to their treatment plans.
In my organization, I would introduce a similar innovation by implementing a telehealth program that includes remote patient monitoring devices and a secure online platform for data transmission and communication between patients and healthcare providers. This would require collaboration with IT and technical support teams to ensure the availability of necessary hardware and software, as well as training for both healthcare providers and patients on how to effectively use telehealth technology.
To sustain this innovation, I would employ several strategies. Firstly, I would actively involve key stakeholders, such as healthcare providers, administrators, and patients, in the planning and implementation process to ensure their buy-in and support. This could be achieved through regular meetings, presentations, and training sessions to educate and address any concerns or misconceptions.
Secondly, I would establish clear protocols and guidelines for the use of telehealth technology, including data privacy and security measures, as well as clinical workflows for remote patient monitoring and management. Regular audits and assessments would be conducted to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Thirdly, I would continuously evaluate the outcomes and impact of the telehealth program on patient outcomes, healthcare delivery efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This could be done through data analysis, patient satisfaction surveys, and feedback from healthcare providers. The results would be used to make necessary adjustments and improvements to the program.
Lastly, I would prioritize ongoing training and education for healthcare providers to ensure their competency in telehealth technology and remote patient monitoring. This could be achieved through workshops, webinars, and online resources. Additionally, I would actively promote the benefits of telehealth to patients and the community through various channels, such as educational materials, social media, and community outreach programs.
By integrating telehealth technology into my organization, I believe we can improve access to healthcare services, enhance patient outcomes, and promote efficient and cost-effective healthcare delivery.
