Integrating the Complexity of Healthcare Improvement with Implementation Science: A Longitudinal Qualitative Case Study
Abstract BackgroundImplementation science seeks to enable change, underpinned by theories and frameworks such as the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Yet academia and frontline healthcare improvement remain largely siloed, with limited integration of implementation science methods into frontline improvement where the drivers include pragmatic, rapid change. We aimed to explore how pragmatic and complex healthcare improvement and implementation science, through the CIFR lens, can be integrated. MethodsOur research involved the investigation of a case study that was undertaking the implementation of an improvement initiative at a large public health service. This research involved qualitative data collection methods of semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations of the implementation team delivering the initiative. Thematic analysis identified key themes from the qualitative data. We examined our themes through the lens of CFIR to gain in-depth understanding of how the CFIR components operated in a ‘real-world’ context.ResultsThe key themes emerging from our research outlined that leadership, context and process are the key components that dominate and affect improvement work. Leadership which cultivates connections with front line clinicians, fosters engagement and trust. Navigating context was facilitated by ‘bottom-up’ governance. Multi-disciplinary, cross-sector capability, responded to a changing complex environment, adjusting pragmatically, and responsively. Process reflected the theoretically-informed, and iterative approach. Mapping CFIR domains and constructs, with these themes demonstrated close alignment with the CFIR. The findings bring further depth to CFIR and demonstrates that leadership that focuses on patient need as a key motivator to engage clinicians, and that applied and ensured iterative processes, which leveraged contextual factors achieved successful, sustained implementation and healthcare improvement. ConclusionsThis longitudinal study highlights profound insights that strengthen alignment between implementation science and pragmatic frontline healthcare improvement. We identify opportunities to enhance the relevance of CFIR in the ‘real-world’ setting through the interconnected nature of our themes. Our study demonstrates actionable knowledge to enhance the integration of implementation science in healthcare improvement.