Linking inner context and innovation factors: Examining a pharmacy-based intervention through the eyes of pharmacy staff

Authors

Taylor L. Watterson, Pharmacy Systems Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago, USA.
Jukrin Moon, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Iowa, USA.
Jamie A. Stone, Social and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Aaron M. Gilson, Social and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Maria E. Berbakov, Social and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Emily L. Hoffins, Social and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Jason S. Chladek, Social and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Elin C. Lehnbom, Social Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Stephanie M. Resendiz, Social and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Shiying Mai, Social and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Kenneth D. Walker, Advocate Health - MidwestFollow
Joel D. Gollhardt, Advocate Health - MidwestFollow
Michelle A. Chui, Social and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.

Recommended Citation

Watterson TL, Moon J, Stone JA, et al. Linking Inner Context and Innovation Factors: Examining a pharmacy-based intervention through the eyes of pharmacy staff. Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm. 2024;15:100486. Published 2024 Aug 5. doi:10.1016/j.rcsop.2024.100486

Abstract

Introduction:Community pharmacies, as unique and accessible healthcare venues, are ideal locations to implement interventions aiming to improve patient care. However, these interventions may increase workload or disrupt workflow for community pharmacists, technicians, and other staff members, threatening long-term sustainment. There are growing calls from the field of implementation science to design for intervention sustainment and maintenance by maximizing innovation fit. Senior Safe™, an intervention to facilitate safer over-the-counter (OTC) product selection by older adults, serves as a case study to examine the congruence between Innovation Factors and community pharmacy Inner Context constructs and their implications for workload and sustainment.

Methods:Using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework, this qualitative study identified factors surrounding Senior Safe implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff from pharmacies where Senior Safe was implemented. Two coders independently analyzed interview transcripts using deductive analysis based on EPIS constructs. Thematic analysis was used to generate three themes that encapsulated innovation fit.

Results:Nineteen pharmacy staff members participated, with the majority reporting no significant change in their workload or workflow due to Senior Safe. Interview feedback supported a pre-existing culture of the healthcare system to engage patients, of leadership commitment to patient safety initiatives, and of an amplified role of pharmacy technicians.

Discussion and conclusion:Pharmacy staff interviews revealed congruence between Innovation Factors and Inner Context that likely yielded intervention workload neutrality. This study highlighted the importance for researchers to consider maintenance and sustainability when designing and implementing an intervention and the critical influence of culture and leadership support during this process.

Document Type

Article

PubMed ID

39205955