Implementing a Mandated Program Across a Regional Health Care System: A Rapid Qualitative Assessment to Evaluate Early Implementation Strategies

Abstract

Rapid qualitative assessement was used to describe early strategies to implement an evidence-based walking program for hospitalized older adults, assiSTed eaRly mobIlity for hospitalizeD older vEterans (STRIDE), mandated by a regional Veterans Affairs health care system office (VISN). Data were collected from 6 hospital sites via semi-structured interviews with key informants, observations of telephone-based technical assistance (TA), and review of VISN-requested program documents (e.g., initial implementation plans). An overaching framework of actionable feedback for VISN leadership and specification of locally initiated implementation strategies, using the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) compilation, was used. Actionable feedback was shared with VISN leadership one month after the initiative. ERIC implementation strategies identified were: 1) Promoting Adaptability- Four sites had physical therapists (PT)/ kinesiotherapists (KT) instead of assistants walk patients, 2) Promoting Network Weaving- Strengthening nursing and PT/ KT partnership with regular communication opportunities or a point person was important for implementation, 3) Distributing Educational Materials – Two sites distributed information about STRIDE via email and in-person, and 4) Organizing Clinician Implementation Team Meetings – Three sites used interdisciplinary team meetings to communicate with clinical staff about STRIDE. This qualitative study sheds light on early experiences with implementing STRIDE; the results have been instructive for ongoing implementation and future dissemination of STRIDE, and the approach can be applied across contexts to inform implementation of other programs.