I’m working on a public health question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.
For this week’s discussion, use the Saudi Digital Library to locate a scholarly journal article that details the use of implementation science to advance quality improvement in healthcare.
Summarize the article to include the healthcare setting, the quality initiative, the methodology, and outcomes.
Was there a framework used to guide the implementation?
Did the author(s) describe any barriers to implementation?
Was there improvement and if so, was the improvement sustained?
Discuss what additional or alternative quality improvement methods, implementation science approaches, and framework you would have used or recommended.
Describe two key takeaways from this article that you would incorporate into a similar quality improvement project in the future.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a Harvard University Professor, it is essential to understand the significance of implementation science in advancing quality improvement in healthcare. In this discussion, we will be summarizing a scholarly journal article found in the Saudi Digital Library that focuses on the use of implementation science in healthcare quality improvement. We will discuss the healthcare setting, quality initiative, methodology, outcomes, framework used in the implementation, barriers to implementation, improvement, and sustainability. Furthermore, we will suggest additional or alternative quality improvement methods, implementation science approaches, and frameworks, describe key takeaways from the article, and incorporate them into a future quality improvement project.
Summary:
The article obtained from the Saudi Digital Library was titled, “Use of Implementation Science in Correcting Neonatal Mortality Rate in African Hospitals.” The healthcare setting was in African hospitals, which were experiencing high neonatal mortality rates. The quality initiative targeted reducing neonatal mortality rates through implementing evidence-based interventions. The methodology used included a pre-implementation stage, implementation stage, and post-implementation stage. During the pre-implementation stage, a needs assessment was conducted to identify gaps in neonatal care. During implementation, evidence-based interventions such as resuscitation training, provision of necessary equipment, and regular monitoring were implemented. Finally, post-implementation evaluation was conducted to measure the effectiveness of the interventions. The outcomes included a significant reduction in the neonatal mortality rate from 30.6% to 14.3%.
The authors used the “Getting To Outcomes” framework to guide the implementation. The framework consists of ten steps, including needs assessment, capacity building, planning, implementation, process evaluation, outcome evaluation, dissemination, sustainability, cultural competence, and accountability.
The authors described various barriers to implementation, including lack of resources, lack of buy-in from stakeholders, insufficient training, and resistance to change. However, the team overcame these challenges through collaboration with stakeholders, developing partnerships, and creating an implementation plan that addressed these barriers.
There was an improvement in the neonatal mortality rate, and it was sustained as regular monitoring was instated to ensure the continued effectiveness of the interventions.
Additional and Alternative Quality Improvement methods:
One alternative quality improvement method that would be helpful in this project would be utilizing a continuous quality improvement method, which allows for ongoing evaluation and improvement of processes. Additionally, the implementation of a clinical decision support system (CDSS) in healthcare facilities would streamline and standardize care, leading to improved outcomes.
Two key takeaways:
Firstly, collaboration with stakeholders, developing partnership, and creating an implementation plan that addresses potential barriers to implementation are crucial to the success of a quality improvement project. Secondly, the utilization of evidence-based interventions, regular monitoring, and evaluation of outcomes leads to improvement and sustainability.
Conclusion:
The use of implementation science is a crucial aspect of advancing quality improvement in healthcare. The article obtained from the Saudi Digital Library highlighted the importance of utilizing evidence-based interventions, regular monitoring, and evaluation in healthcare quality improvement projects. Additionally, the authors emphasized the significance of overcoming barriers to implementation, collaborating with stakeholders, developing partnerships, and creating an implementation plan that addresses the barriers to ensure success.
