Implementation of the “Patients Medication List” in North-Norway

Description

The introduction of the Patient Medication List (PLL) has high national priority, with the goal of providing healthcare professionals access to one accurate and updated medication list, regardless of where the patient is being treated. To generate knowledge about the implementation of PLL in the northern region, process evaluation (trailing research) on the implementation model is conducted throughout the entire three-year process period. This will continuously provide decision-relevant knowledge valuable for the implementation, utility, and scale-up of PLL locally, regionally, and nationally. The research is conducted at various stages of the implementation process, and the results are continuously discussed and presented both to the regional implementation project and decision-making authorities.

The project aims to evaluate the trial and implementation process of PLL from three distinct but complementary perspectives to identify the most significant barriers and facilitators for the implementation, use, and benefits of PLL: 1) Healthcare professionals, 2) Organization and 3) Technology. Across these three perspectives, we will examine how to succeed with experience and knowledge sharing within the networks and collaborative structures of the implementation project. These networks are considered crucial for achieving the most efficient and resource-saving implementation processes locally, regionally, and eventually nationally.

Goals

To develop decision-relevant knowledge about whether the implementation model achieves the desired effects, and describe opportunities and challenges that influence the implementation, use, and value of PLL in the healthcare region.

Sub-goals

• Investigate which factors influence health professionals´trust in and use of PLL (work processes, time and resource use, quality)
• Explore experiences with the established networks for knowledge-sharing to ensure a successful implementation process
• Examine how the implementation model affects collaboration within and between organizations and service levels
• Map the technological prerequsites necessary for a successful implementation

Method

Methods from health services research and implementation research are used to examine how PLL is introduced and scaled. A multidisciplinary approach is essential, based on the various healthcare professionals involved in the process. Process evaluation (trailing research) at different phases of the implementation is used to explore and evaluate these complex processes, using a combination of qualitative (interviews, focus groups, observation) and quantitative (surveys, dashboard data, etc.) evaluations. The research project has established a close dialogue with the implementation project and the directorate of health to ensure knowledge transfer and adaptive decision-making throughout the process.