“I want to break free”: embracing innovation and simultaneously letting go of old ways.

Interested in how we can help your organisation to adopt innovation and improve care? Chat to us via email at enquiries@hiwessex.net or message us on LinkedIn.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, staying at the cutting edge is paramount to improve patient outcomes and maximise service efficiencies. However, to paraphrase the words of ‘80s band Queen, innovation needs to ‘break free’ from existing practices - and this means making difficult decisions. Balancing the introduction of fresh ideas with the discontinuation of outdated methods is crucial for creating lasting impact and maximising benefits; however, these activities are often required to happen simultaneously, increasing the burden on NHS staff.

This blog, the second in our three-part series on supporting the adoption of innovation in complex adaptive health systems, explores how organisations, services and teams can successfully retire old ways of working and start adopting innovation simultaneously.  Health Innovation Wessex have combined their implementation and de-implementation models to provide a holistic practice approach to support health and care staff.

The importance of innovation

Innovation drives progress, improving healthcare services and patient outcomes through new approaches, technologies, and treatments.  As innovation adoption experts we understand that implementing these innovations can be challenging, especially when established practices and procedures need to be reconsidered, reduced in frequency, or abandoned completely.

The challenge of de-implementation

De-implementation involves reducing or eliminating existing outdated practices in order for new approaches to be adopted. This process is as crucial as implementation itself, as retaining ineffective or low-value practices can hinder progress and waste valuable resources. The main challenge lies in identifying which practices to stop while ensuring a smooth and safe transition for patients.

A holistic approach

To effectively manage both implementation and de-implementation activities, a holistic approach is necessary. This involves:

• Assessment and prioritisation: Evaluate existing practices to determine their value and relevance. Prioritise innovations that offer substantial improvements over current methods.

• Stakeholder engagement: Involve all relevant stakeholders, including frontline staff, patients, and decision-makers, in the process. Their insights and support are critical for successful change.

• Clear communication: Explain the reasons for de-implementation and the benefits of the new innovation. Address concerns and provide education to facilitate understanding and buy-in.

• Strategic planning: Develop a detailed plan that outlines the steps for both implementing the new innovation and phasing out old practices. Ensure that resources, timelines, and responsibilities are clearly defined.

• Continuous monitoring and adaptation: Regularly monitor the progress of both implementation and de-implementation efforts. Be prepared to adapt strategies based on feedback and emerging challenges.

Health Innovation Wessex has created a consolidated model leveraging the expertise of innovation adoption managers and our Insight team. The model incorporates evidence-informed concepts and activities aimed at implementing new innovations while phasing out outdated practices. Central to our model is creating an environment that fosters the growth of new innovations whilst preventing the return of old methods that could hinder their effectiveness. This practical model has been developed for experienced innovation adoption managers, to guide their support of staff engaged in change.

A holistic approach to save NHS staff time

Embracing both innovation and de-implementation is crucial for fostering progress in healthcare, as they are often required to happen simultaneously. By adopting a holistic, evidence-based approach, we can ensure that new innovations succeed while outdated practices are respectfully retired. This balanced approach not only maximises the benefits of new advancements but also paves the way for a more efficient and effective use of NHS staff time.

Further information

Author: Andrew Sibley, Programme Manager, Health Innovation Wessex - andrew.sibley@hiwessex.net

Interested in how our model can help your organisation to adopt innovation more efficiently and improve care? For an informal conversation, please contact Health Innovation Wessex at enquiries@hiwessex.net or message us via LinkedIn.