A publication of the . . . improving patient outcomes
Expert Perspective
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any organizations struggle with the implementation of known best practices and quality improvement interventions. Much of the difficulty in implementing effective strategies stems from a lack of understanding organizational context. An intervention that is shown to be effective in one unit or hospital does not mean it is generalizable to other settings.
The complexity of health care delivery stresses the need to carefully examine interacting contextual variables (e.g. work setting, organizational culture) that could potentially impact implementation efforts. Laura Damschroder, MS, MPH, a researcher with the VA Center for Clinical Management Research, discusses the importance of these context variable
“A theoretical framework will enable systematic identification and understanding of drivers that predict success in different settings, guide adaptation of targeted practice changes and implementation strategies.” laura damschroder, ms, mph a n n a r b o r v e t e r a n s a f fa i r s m e d i c a l c e n t e r
and other important constructs in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). “Use of a framework to guide your research promotes generalization of findings through continued on page 2
In this issue:
Transformation through Research: Improvement Science Summit Exceeds Expectations The foundational theme of this year’s Summit was “Transformation through Research.” Beginning with Dr. Stevens, the stage was set for 1 ½ days of interactive, thought provoking presentations. “The key question to keep in mind is how do we make and sustain change in our healthcare systems. Systematic research is essential to making and sustaining change. We need a conceptual understanding of what works,” indicated Jack Needleman, PhD, ISRN Steering Council member during his moderation of the first day. The Improvement Science Summit opened the weeklong Summer Institute for Quality Improvement with gusto and a bang; setting the stage for an exciting week of interprofessional collaboration development. “The Improvement Science Summit is more than just a research methods conference,” says Kathleen R. Stevens, RN, EdD, Director of the Improvement Science Research Network. “We build research collaboratives to study the most pressing issues in healthcare improvement.”
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” - Goethe
2013 Improvement Science Summit
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ISRN Corner: Pediatric SIG
Expert Perspective
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ISRN Member Spotlight
Academic-Practice Partnerships
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ISRN Expands Network Studies
To address the need for a conceptual understanding of what works, the faculty for this year’s Summit included major international leaders in healthcare system improvement representing major continued on page 2
Nearly 50 poster abstracts were accepted for presentation at the 2013 Summit.
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Expert Perspective - Ken Shine
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ISRN Corner: Doctoral Ed SIG
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ISRN Member Spotlight
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