Innovative Based Practice (IBP) allows for new ideas, technology and innovation to be introduced into ways of working. The fear of making mistakes in the risk averse culture that surrounds work may stifle innovation. But safety and ethics processes are present to protect against changes to clinical practice. This post is all about trying new ways of working, changing the team dynamics, using technology to improve efficiency. In healthcare money is normally tight/non-existant, so its advisable to try free or cheap software and technology. If the idea or innovation doesn’t work then it’s just time lost and onto the next idea, no one needs to worry about the financial impact. As a team the way failure is dealt with is vital, a ‘no blame’ environment and ‘team culture’ to accept and review the what, why and what could be done better next team creates a safe environment where innovation and change is embraced. Nothing in life works out 100% so why would it in the workplace. Those team members who revel in another’s failure, well it’s down to the team to set out behavioral expectations and create a team ethos.
Ideas are great, but to embed practice change is a difficult process. Things to consider:
- Change management process.
- Dissemination of practice.
- Diffusion of innovations.
- Encouraging adoption.
- De-implementation of old practice.
The early adopters (The Champions) can help drive change with enthusiasm, but don’t forget the political and power aspects. Networking with the opinion leaders of the unit and harnessing their social networks is essential.
References
Christensen, C. M., Baumann, H., Ruggles, R., & Sadtler, T. M. (2006). Disruptive innovation for social change. Harvard business review, 84(12), 94.
Greenhalgh, T., Robert, G., Macfarlane, F., Bate, P., & Kyriakidou, O. (2004). Diffusion of innovations in service organizations: systematic review and recommendations. The Milbank Quarterly, 82(4), 581-629.
Herzlinger, R. E. (2006). Why innovation in health care is so hard. Harvard business review, 84(5), 58.
Hwang, J., & Christensen, C. M. (2008). Disruptive innovation in health care delivery: a framework for business-model innovation. Health Affairs, 27(5), 1329-1335.
Rogers, E. M. (1995) Diffusion of innovations. (5th ed.) Simon and Schuster, New York, USA. [summary article]
Ross, P. (2017) Deimplementation of Practice. Nursing Education Network.
Ross, P. (2017) Diffusion of innovations. Nursing Education Network.