Barriers and enablers for externally and internally driven implementation processes in healthcare: a qualitative cross-case study.

BACKGROUND: Quality in healthcare is a subject in need of continuous attention. Quality improvement (QI) programmes with the purpose of increasing service quality are therefore of priority for healthcare leaders and governments. This study explores the implementation process of two different QI programmes, one externally driven implementation and one internally driven, in Norwegian nursing homes and home care services. The aim for the study was to identify enablers and barriers for externally and internally driven implementation processes in nursing homes and homecare services, and furthermore to explore if identified enablers and barriers are different or similar across the different implementation processes. METHODS: This study is based on an exploratory qualitative methodology. The empirical data was collected through the 'Improving Quality and Safety in Primary Care - Implementing a Leadership Intervention in Nursing Homes and Homecare' (SAFE-LEAD) project. The SAFE-LEAD project is a multiple case study of two different QI programmes in primary care in Norway. A large externally driven implementation process was supplemented with a tracer project involving an internally driven implementation process to identify differences and similarities. The empirical data was inductively analysed in accordance with grounded theory. RESULTS: Enablers for both external and internal implementation processes were found to be technology and tools, dedication, and ownership. Other more implementation process specific enablers entailed continuous learning, simulation training, knowledge sharing, perceived relevance, dedication, ownership, technology and tools, a systematic approach and coordination. Only workload was identified as coincident barriers across both externally and internally implementation processes. Implementation process specific barriers included turnover, coping with given responsibilities, staff variety, challenges in coordination, technology and tools, standardizations not aligned with work, extensive documentation, lack of knowledge sharing. CONCLUSION: This study provides understanding that some enablers and barriers are present in both externally and internally driven implementation processes, while other are more implementation process specific. Dedication, engagement, technology and tools are coinciding enablers which can be drawn upon in different implementation processes, while workload acted as the main barrier in both externally and internally driven implementation processes. This means that some enablers and barriers can be expected in implementation of QI programmes in nursing homes and home care services, while others require contextual understanding of their setting and work.

A competence improvement programme for the systematic observation of frail older patients in homecare: qualitative outcome analysis.

BACKGROUND: The growth of frail older patients with extensive care needs in homecare creates a need for competence development. Improvement programmes are essential to fill this knowledge gap. However, the outcomes of such programmes remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe the outcomes of a competence improvement programme for the systematic observation of frail older patients in homecare. METHODS: This study applied a qualitative mixed-method design. Data were collected in two homecare districts using participant observation, focus group interviews, and individual interviews. RESULTS: The analysis revealed five concepts characterising the outcomes of the competence improvement programme: 1) frequency of vital sign measurements, 2) situational awareness, 3) expectations and coping level, 4) activities for sustained improvement, and 5) organisational issues affecting CIP focus. Substantial differences were revealed across the two homecare districts in how homecare professionals enacted new knowledge and routines resulting from the competence improvement programme. The differences were related to the frequency of vital sign measurements, coping levels, and situational awareness, in which successful outcomes were shaped by implementation issues and contextual setting. This involved whether routines and planned activities were set to follow up the improvement programme, or whether organisational issues such as leadership focus, resources, and workforce stability supported the programme. CONCLUSIONS: This study documents the differences entailed in creating sustainable outcomes of an improvement programme for homecare professionals' competence in recognising and responding to deteriorating frail older patients. Depending on the implementation process and the homecare context, professionals enact the activities of the improvement programme differently.

Talking about quality: how 'quality' is conceptualized in nursing homes and homecare.

BACKGROUND: The delivery of high-quality service in nursing homes and homecare requires collaboration and shared understanding among managers, employees, users and policy makers from across the healthcare system. However, conceptualizing healthcare professionals' perception of quality beyond hospital settings (e.g., its perspectives, defining attributes, quality dimensions, contextual factors, dilemmas) has rarely been done. This study therefore explores the meaning of "quality" among healthcare managers and staff in nursing homes and homecare. METHODS: The study applies a cross-sectional qualitative design with focus groups and individual interviews, to capture both depth and breadth of conceptualization of quality from healthcare professionals in nursing homes and homecare. We draw our data from 65 managers and staff in nursing homes and homecare services in Norway and the Netherlands. The participants worked as managers (n = 40), registered nurses (RNs) or assistant nurses (n = 25). RESULTS: The analysis identified the two categories and four sub-categories: "Professional issues: more than firefighting" (subcategories "professional pride" and "competence") and "patient-centered approach: more than covering basic needs" (subcategories "dignity" and "continuity"). Quality in nursing homes and homecare is conceptualized as an ongoing process based on having the "right competence," good cooperation across professional groups, and patient-centered care, in line with professional pride and dignity for the patients. CONCLUSION: Based on the understanding of quality among the healthcare professionals in our study, quality should encompass the softer dimensions of professional pride and competence, as well as a patient-centered approach to care. These dimensions should be factors in improvement activities and in daily practice.

Homecare professionals' observation of deteriorating, frail older patients: A mixed-methods study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To develop knowledge about homecare professionals' observational competence in early recognition of deterioration in frail older patients. BACKGROUND: The number of frail older patients in homecare has been rising, and these patients are at higher risk of deterioration and mortality. However, studies are scarce on homecare professionals' recognition and response to clinical deterioration in homecare. DESIGN: This study applies an explorative, qualitative, mixed-methods design. METHODS: The data were collected in two homecare districts in 2018 during 62 hr of participant observation, as well as from six focus group interviews. The data were subjected to qualitative content analyses. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist was used to report the results. RESULTS: The data analyses revealed two main themes and five sub-themes related to homecare professionals' observational practices. The first main theme entailed patient-situated assessment of changes in patients' clinical condition, that is, the homecare professionals' recognised changes in patients' physical and mental conditions. The second theme was the organisational environment, in which planned, practical tasks and collaboration and collegial support were emphasised. CONCLUSIONS: The homecare professionals in the two districts varied in their ability to recognise signs of patient deterioration. Their routines are described in detailed work plans, which seemed to affect assessment of their patients' decline. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results can inform homecare services on how homecare professionals' observational competence and an appropriate organisational system are essential in ensuring early detection of deterioration in frail older patients.

Designing and pilot testing of a leadership intervention to improve quality and safety in nursing homes and home care (the SAFE-LEAD intervention).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the design of a leadership intervention for nursing home and home care, including a leadership guide for managers to use in their quality and safety improvement work. The paper reports results from the pilot test of the intervention and describes the final intervention programme. DESIGN: Qualitative design, using the participation of stakeholders. METHODS: The leadership guide and intervention were designed in collaboration with researchers, coresearchers and managers in nursing homes and home care organisations, through workshops and focus group interviews. The pilot test consisted of three workshops with managers working on the leadership guide, facilitated and observed by researchers, and evaluated by means of observation and focus group interviews with the participants. The analysis combined the integration of data from interviews and observations with directed content analysis. SETTING: Norwegian nursing homes and home care services. PARTICIPANTS: Managers at different levels in three nursing homes and two home care services, coresearchers, and patient and next-of-kin representatives. RESULTS: The managers and coresearchers suggested some revisions to the leadership guide, such as making it shorter, and tailoring the terminology to their setting. Based on their suggestions, we modified the intervention and developed learning resources, such as videos demonstrating the practical use of the guide. Evaluation of the pilot test study showed that all managers supported the use of the guide. They adapted the guide to their organisational needs, but found it difficult to involve patients in the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A participatory approach with stakeholders is useful in designing a leadership intervention to improve quality and safety in nursing homes and home care, although patient participation in its implementation remains difficult. The participatory approach made it easier for managers to adapt the intervention to their context and to everyday quality and safety work practice.

Improving quality and safety in nursing homes and home care: the study protocol of a mixed-methods research design to implement a leadership intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Nursing homes and home care face challenges across different countries as people are living longer, often with chronic conditions. There is a lack of knowledge regarding implementation and impact of quality and safety interventions as most research evidence so far is generated in hospitals. Additionally, there is a lack of effective leadership tools for quality and safety improvement work in this context. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The aim of the 'Improving Quality and Safety in Primary Care-Implementing a Leadership Intervention in Nursing Homes and Homecare' (SAFE-LEAD) study is to develop and evaluate a research-based leadership guide for managers to increase quality and safety competence. The project applies a mixed-methods design and explores the implications of the leadership guide on managers' and staffs' knowledge, attitudes and practices. Four nursing homes and four home care services from different Norwegian municipalities will participate in the intervention. Surveys, process evaluation (interviews, observations) and document analyses will be conducted to evaluate the implementation and impact of the leadership intervention. A comparative study of Norway and the Netherlands will establish knowledge of the context dependency of the intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is approved by the Norwegian Centre for Research Data (2017/52324 and 54855). The results will be disseminated through scientific articles, two PhD dissertations, an anthology, presentations at national and international conferences, and in social media, newsletters and in the press. The results will generate knowledge to inform leadership practices in nursing homes and home care. Moreover, the study will build new theory on leadership interventions and the role of contextual factors in nursing homes and home care.

Exploring Teacher Intervention in the Intersection of Digital Resources, Peer Collaboration, and Instructional Design.

This paper reports on a case study of the teacher's role as facilitator in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) settings in science. In naturalistic classroom settings, the teacher most often acts as an important resource and provides various forms of guidance during students' learning activities. Few studies, however, have focused on the role of teacher intervention in CSCL settings. By analyzing the interactions between secondary school students and their teacher during a science project, the current study provides insight into the concerns that teachers might encounter when facilitating students' learning processes in these types of settings. The analyses show that one main concern was creating a balance between providing the requested information and supporting students in utilizing each other's knowledge and understanding. Another concern was balancing support on an individual versus group level, and a third concern was directing the students' attention to coexisting conceptual perspectives. Most importantly, however, the analyses show how teacher intervention constitutes the pivotal "glue" that aids students in linking and using coexisting aspects of support such as peer collaboration, digital tools, and instructional design.